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REPORT 



WATERS OF NORTH CAROLINA 



WITH REFERENCE TO THEIR POSSIBILITIES FOH 



OYSTER CULTURE; 



Together with the results obtained by the Surveys 

directed by the resolution of the general 

Assembly, ratified March 11, 1885. 



Lieutenant Francis Winslow, 
United States Navy. 



RALEIGH: 
P. M. Hale, State Printer and Binder, 

PRESSES OF E. M. UZZELL. 
1886. 





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REPORT 



WATERS OF NORTH CAROLINA, 

WITH REFERENCE TO THEIK POSSIBILITIES FOB 

- 

OYSTER CULTURE; 

Together with the results obtained by the Surveys 

directed by the resolution of the general 

Assembly, ratified March 11, 1885. 



BY 

LihviTTiiNA.rcT Francis Winslow 

United States Navy. 



RALEIGH : 

P. M. HALE, State Printer akh Binder. 

1886. 



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NORTH CAROLINA, 
Department of Agriculture, 
Raleigh, N. C, Jan. 1, 1887. 

To His Excellency the Hon. A. M. Scales, 

Governor of North Carolina : 
Sir : I have the honor to submit herewith a report on the 
waters of North Carolina with reference to the cultivation of 
oysters, together with the results of the survey of the oyster 
beds, so far as it has progressed. 

The first portion of the report contains a detailed description 
of the methods employed and of the ground examined. 

The second portion comprises a summary of the results and 
information obtained, together with certafti recommendations 
based upon the experiences of other States and countries, to 
which I respectfully call your particular attention. 

With the hope that the matter contained in the report will 
prove both of interest and value to the people of North Caro- 
lina, I am, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANCIS WINSLOW, 
Lieutenant U. S. Navy. 



PREFACE. 



The survey of the oyster beds of North Carolina has been 
prosecuted by the Department of Agriculture under authority 
of the following resolution of the General Assembly : 

RESOLUTION IN REGARD TO THE OYSTER INDUSTRY OF 
THE STATE. 

Preamble. Whereas, It is necessary for the furtherance 
of the oyster interest of this State that the areas and positions 
of the natural oyster beds and private oyster gardens should be 
accurately known and located ; And, whereas, It is probable that 
a better knowledge of the present condition of our shell fish 
industries would conduce to the future benefit of the people 
of the State ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the State Board of Agriculture shall cause to 
be made a survey of said natural oyster beds and private oyster 
gardens, together with an examination of the waters of the 
State with reference to the possibilities for the culture of shell 
fish, and shall report upon the same to the next session of the 
General Assembly of North Carolina. And his Excellency, 
the Governor, is hereby requested to ask the Federal Govern- 
ment to detail some person of the public service who is an expert 
in these matters, to make the necessary surveys : Provided, 
That the expenses entailed by this resolution shall be in the 
discretion of the Board ( f Agriculture. 

Ratified this the 11th day of March, 1885. 

My own connection with this examination by the State is 
sufficiently explained by the resolution, I having been directed 
by the Hon. Secretary of the Navy to render his Excellency, the 
Governor, such assistance as was in my power. 



VI PREFACE. 

Subsequently, when the Superintendent of the U. S. Coast 
and Geodetic Survey determined to put a party in the field to 
co-operate with the authorities of the State, I was assigned to 
the charge of that party and command of the vessel detailed, in 
addition to my other duties. Having thus had the direction of 
all operations, I have been enabled to so co-relate them that the 
survey has been accomplished at a very moderate expense, the 
entire cost to the State on December 1st, having been but 
$1,914.84. This could not have been accomplished, however,, 
had not the valuable assistance of the Coast Survey been 
secured ; and the State is under great obligations to Mr. F. M. 
Thorn, the Superintendent of that Survey, for his cordial and 
valuable co-operation in the work. 

I am also greatly indebted to the Johns Hopkins University 
for the loan of their steam launch, which has been of great ser- 
vice, and which was furnished without charge. 

To Mr. John W. Evans, Clerk of the Superior Court of Dare 
County ; to Mr. J. H. Wahab, Clerk of the Superior Court, 
and Mr. Alexander Berry, Register of Deeds, of Hyde County ; 
to Mr. John D. Davis, Clerk of the Superior Court of Carteret 
County, and to Mr. A. C. Huggins, Clerk of the Superior 
Court of Onslow County, I am not only under obligations for 
many courtesies shown me personally, but also for the very 
liberal reductions they have made in their fees for furnishing 
copies of the oyster licenses on file in their offices. 

I am indebted for courtesies and assistance to so many other 
citizens of the seaboard counties that their very number prevents 
my mentioning them more particularly; but their many kind- 
nesses to me and those associated with me in the work, and the 
very valuable assistance they have frequently rendered the Sur- 
vey, is none the less appreciated and remembered. To my 
companions and subordinates on board the Scoresby, to whose 
industry is owing the large amount of work accomplished, and 
especially to Ensign Jas. C. Drake, U. S. Navy, Assistant U. 
S. C. and G. Survey, to whose zeal and good judgment much of 
our success is due, I am under obligations which no one but 



PREFACE. VII 

myself cau appreciate, and to which I now take great pleasure 
in testifying. 

The preparation of the report was deferred until the last pos- 
sible moment in order that it might be based upon as full infor- 
mation as could be obtained. The collection and arrangement 
of the field notes has, therefore, been somewhat hurried, and it is 
possible that some few errors of figures or statements may be 
found in the following pages. Important calculations and fea- 
tures have all been verified, however, and the general accuracy 
of the determinations may be relied upon. 

The results of the examination, so far as it has progressed, 
are given in the following pages. Had not the season been 
unusually inclement and unhealthy, much more would have been 
accomplished ; but enough has been achieved to justify every 
assertion made in the body of the report, and to furnish reliable 
data for those who wish to engage in oyster culture. It was 
with the hope that many would be induced to enter into such 
enterprises that much of what follows has been written. And 
if extensive oyster culture can be made an accomplished fact in 
the waters of North Carolina, the object, both of the Survey 
and of this report, will have been accomplished. 

FRANCIS WINSLOW, 

Lieutenant U. S. N. 



REPORT 



WATERS OP NORTH CAROLINA, 



REPORT 

ON THE WATERS OF NORTH CAROLINA, WITH REFERENCE TO THE 
CULTIVATION OF OYSTERS, TOGETHER WITH THE RESULTS OF 
THE SURVEY OF THE OYSTER BEDS. 



THE AREA EXAMINED. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The waters subject to the jurisdiction of the State of North 
Carolina consist mainly of twelve Sounds, extending and con- 
nected with each other along the coast from the Virginia line, in 
Lat. 36° 33' N. to the Cape Fear River, in Lat. 34° 53' N. Iu 
the order in which they occur from north to south they are Cur- 
rituck, Albemarle, Croatau, Roanoke, Pamplico, Core, Bogue, 
Stump, Topsail, Middle, Masonboro and Myrtle Sounds. Be- 
tween Bogue and Stump Sounds are four estuaries, known as 
Bogue, Bear, Browu and New Inlets. Between Core and Bogue 
Sounds is another estuary, forming the harbor of Beaufort, and 
the Cape Fear River expands at its mouth so as to form another. 
The difference in latitude, over two and one-half degrees, be- 
tween the most northerly and southerly of these sounds indicates 
considerable climatic difference; but the area upon which oys- 
ters can live is considerably within the northern extreme, and the 
climate, consequently, so far as it affects molluscan life, may be 
considered uniform. Currituck and Albemarle Sounds are 
excluded from consideration, as they are practically of fresh 
water. Albemarle Sound, however, receiving as it does the 
waters of several large rivers and containing within its own limits 
5,631,400,000 tons of fresh water, whose only outlet is Pamp- 
lico Sound, exercises an important influence upon all forms of 
life in the latter body; and occasions will arise in the future as 
in the past, when that influence will be so great as to be destructive 
to the organisms existing about the head of the Sound. 



4 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Croatan Sound, through which most of Albemarle's waters 
find their way, is about eight miles long aud from two to four 
miles broad, with a general depth of water of from eight to ten 
feet. Only small creeks, draining the adjacent lands, empty into 
it; but the influence of Albemarle Sound is usually too great to 
permit the existence of oysters except about the lower, southern 
limit, near the Roanoke Marshes light house. 

Roanoke Sound, separated from Croatan by Roanoke Island, i& 
a narrow body of water, eight miles long and from one-half mile 
to two miles wide. The greater part of this area is a shoal with 
but from one to three feet of water on it; but a narrow channel 
extends along the Roanoke Island shore with a greater depth of 
water. The shallowness of the Sound prevents the flow of a 
very large amount of fresh water from Albemarle Sound, and 
the proximity of Oregon Inlet to the southern limit causes a 
sufficient amount of sea water to enter to overcome any ten- 
dency towards low specific gravity. Hence, oysters extend 
throughout the Sound wherever the water is sufficiently deep to 
protect them from the extremes of heat and cold they are likely 
to encounter in this region. The area of Roanoke Sound is 21,- 
608 acres; of Croatan Sound, 26,751 acres. 

Pamplico Sound lies south of Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, and 
is an enormous sheet of land-locked water, comprising, with its 
tributaries, an area of 1,149,464 acres. It is bounded on the 
east and protected from the sea by a narrow strip of sand beach, 
called the "Banks," while on the west it washes the shores of the 
counties of Dare, Hyde and Pamplico. It extends in a north- 
easterly and south-westerly direction sixty miles, and is from fif- 
teen to twenty miles wide. Numerous creeks and two large 
rivers, the Pamplico and JSTeuse, together with Albemarle Sound, 
pour fresh water over this area, while Oregon, New, Hatteras. 
and Ocracoke Inlets and Core Sound admit the salt, oceanic waters. 
The depth of water varies considerably, the least lying, natu- 
rally, along the shores. Several long shoals, notably the Brant. 
Island and Bluff Point shoals, over which but seven and ten feet 
of water are found, make out nearly across the Sound; but the 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 5 

general depth is from fifteen to twenty feet, and in a few places 
twenty-six feet. In the deep water, the bottom is soft; but in 
the neighborhood of the shoals and shores it becomes harder, 
consisting of sticky mud or sand. There are no rocks, other 
than "oyster rocks," in this or any of the other Sounds. 

The inlets, or openings in the "Banks," through which con- 
nection is made with the sea, are excellently spaced along the 
eastern boundary of the Sound. At the head, where the in- 
fluence of Albemarle Sound is greatest, two openings, Oregon 
and New Inlets, occur within eight miles of each other. While 
these openings are both small, yet a sufficient amount of sea 
water is admitted to temper the extreme freshness that would 
otherwise prevent the growth of shell fish. Occasionally, in 
the extreme northern part of the Sound, after heavy freshets, 
the water will become too fresh and oysters will either perish or 
be greatly impaired in quality; but this occurs rarely, and under 
the normal circumstances the inlets afford quite a sufficient sup- 
ply of salt water. 

From New Inlet the coast is unbroken for about thirty-five 
miles; but opposite this stretch there is no considerable influx of 
fresli water, and the absence of an inlet does not disadvantageous^ 
affect the oysters growing iu the locality. In the southern part 
of the Sound, where the iufluence of the large rivers and creeks 
is greatest, two large openings, known as Ocracoke and Hatteras 
Inlets, occur within fifteen miles of each other. In addition there 
is more or less salt or brackish water flowing in from Core Sound. 

The average density of the water is 1.0115, which, however, 
varies greatly with the locality, weather and seasou of the year. 
The currents, except in the neighborhood of the inlets, and at 
the head of the Sound, are sluggish and influenced greatly by 
the wind. The general set is to the northward and eastward or 
southward and westward, with the wind, and with a velocity of 
from one-quarter to one-half mile per hour. 

Core Sound extends from the southeastern extremity of 
Pamplico Sound to the harbor of Beaufort. It is a long, nar- 
row and shallow sheet of water, thirty-one miles long and about 



6 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

two and a half miles broad. Its area, including its several trib- 
utaries, is 83,472 acres. While the water is generally shoal, the 
depth varies from one to ten feet in different parts of the Sound; 
the average depth is about three to four feet, and not more than 
five feet can be relied upon for purposes of navigation. The 
shoalest water lies along the eastern or "Banks" shore. Nu- 
merous estuaries make out of this Sound to the westward, all of 
which, as does the Sound itself, receive considerable quantities 
of fresh water. Brackish water also enters the Sound at its 
junction with Pamplico. The salt water is derived from the flow 
into Beaufort harbor, that inlet being connected with, and prop- 
erly a part of, Core Souud. The strength and direction of the 
currents are mainly influenced by the force and direction of the 
prevailing winds, which are from the southward and westward 
and northward and eastward. A southerly wind will lower the 
water and a northerly and easterly wind raise it; but while the 
height of the water and velocity of the current is greatly influ- 
enced, the density of the water remains practically the same.. 
The average current is about one-half knot per hour, setting 
to the northward or southward with the wind. The average 
density is 1.0176. The bottom is generally sandy and firm, 
and covered more or less with grass and sponges, the former 
predominating. In the deeper water, both in the Sound and 
tributaries, muddy bottoms are found; but this area is inconsid- 
erable. The climate is mild and ice seldom forms over the eutire 
body of water. The heat of the summer months is great, how- 
ever, and has rather too stimulating an effect upon molluscan 
life. The Sound is too shallow and too well protected for the 
gales to have any serious influence upon shell-fish, except on the 
shallow bank along the eastern border. 

Bogue Sound is a sheet of water separated from Core Sound 
only by the inlet which forms the harbor of Beaufort. It is 
similar in its general aspects to Core Sound except in the depth 
of water, which is less. The Sound extends in an easterly and 
westerly direction and is about twenty miles long by two miles 
wide, containing with its tributaries an area of 21,997 acres.. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. i 

The depth of water varies from one and two feet to five and six, 
but is generally not over two and a-half feet, except along the 
northern shore. Several small, fresh water stream- empty into 
the Sound, but the principal supply of fresh water is derived from 
the drainage of the adjacent lands. Salt water is admitted from 
Beaufort harbor at the eastern end and Bogue Inlet at the western 
end. The currents are tidal and sluggish, but are influenced con- 
siderably by the force and direction of the wind. The average 
density of the water is 1.0203. The bottom is sandy with a 
light covering of mud, and large quantities of grass and sponge 
grow oyer it, except in the deep spots. The climate is mild, but 
very warm in summer, and the shelter afforded by the high 
wooded banks and shores prevents the strong southwesterly winds 
which prevail, from effecting anything of consequence. 

Beyond Bogue Sound, the survey has not yet progressed suffi- 
ciently to justify more than a general description of the remain- 
ing area. 

The coast from Bogue Inlet to the southward is low and 
fringed by the narrow, shallow sounds already enumerated. All 
these Sounds produce oysters; but the principal part of the 
stock consists of the so-called raccoon oyster, which is not 
marketable unless cultivated by transplanting. 

Portions of the White Oak River have been surveyed and New 
River is now being examined. The latter estuary, a beautiful 
sheet of water, contains some of the finest oyster ground in the 
world. Its inaccessibility will, however, prevent its utilization 
some time. The other Sounds have more or less ground suitable 
for the growth and cultivation of oysters, and the whole region 
will, circumstances permitting, be made the subject of a supple- 
mentary report. 

GENERAL PLAN OF WORK. 

The resolution of the General Assembly requiring the Board 
of Agriculture to conduct the examination also specified dis- 
tinctly the ends to be attained : The natural oyster beds and pri- 
vate oyster gardens were to be surveyed and located, and a gen- 



8 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

eral examination of the waters of the State was to be made. In 
developing a general scheme of work it was necessary, therefore, 
to keep in view those desired ends; their accomplishment being 
imperative, whatever else might be done. An intelligent appre- 
ciation of the purposes of the Legislature was afforded, however, 
through the preamble of the resolution, which stated that it was 
a furtherance of the oyster interest, that is, its expansion, which 
was desired and to which the examination was expected to con- 
duce. 

In addition, then, to the direct requirements of the resolution, 
an adjunctory line of work was indicated, which was none the 
less important and which may be defined as a diffusion of knowl- 
edge of the principles and methods of successful oyster-culture. 
To secure economical and harmonious progress in each of these 
several branches of work, it was deemed necessary to make them, 
as far as possible, coincident and in a measure correlative; and as 
so much depended upon the cooperation of the citizens of the 
seaboard counties, it was wise to sacrifice some time and labor to 
the explanation of the purposes of the examination and the 
beneficial results it would bring about. The area to be exam- 
ined was not only large, but was difficult of access. The means 
at the disposal of the State for transporting and subsisting those 
engaged upon the examination were necessarily limited ; the 
investigation, therefore, would have been made thorough only by 
the expenditure of considerable sums and at the cost of much 
personal discomfort, had not the valuable cooperation of the U. 
S. Coast and Geodetic Survey been secured. Even with that 
assistance, the peculiar character of many of the areas to be 
studied made the work one of considerable difficulty. 

The preliminary reconnoisance of the field, made upon the in- 
ception of the examination, indicated the advisability of dividing 
the entire area with reference to the particular character of inves- 
tigation desired for each portion. For instance, Bogue Sound 
naturally would be a separate study, having characteristics peculiar 
to itself. There was also reason to suppose that the northern and 
southern portions of Core Sound would present differences in the 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. \) 

principal features to be studied. Agaiu, Paraplico Sound should 
naturally be distinguished from its tributaries, and different por- 
tions of Paraplico Sound would not only require different treat- 
ment, but on account of hydrographic aud physical characteristics, 
would necessitate different methods of work. 

As the examination progressed, and it became evident that 
detailed surveys of the whole area could not be completed before 
the meeting of the Legislature, the desirability of sub-dividing the 
area so as to permit practical utilization of the information ob- 
tained, also became evident. For the foregoing reasons, the tidal 
waters of the State have been divided into twenty-nine sections of 
various areas, which will be subsequently described in detail. 

Field work was begun December 1st, 1885, and its direction 
and progress were arranged so as to permit as little interference 
by the weather as possible. 

The proposed plan of work was to extend the examina- 
tion from Morehead City to the southward, accomplishing as 
much as possible by the spring. To then extend operations 
from Morehead to the northward through Core, Paraplico, Albe- 
marle and Currituck Sounds. The time remaining (less than a 
year) was so short that it would be hardly possible to make the 
examination as exhaustive as was desirable. But should the 
work be delayed by unforeseen accidents, it would only be neces- 
sary to pass over a few areas of no great general importance, 
leaving them for future study and examination. 

The results of the work in the several sections will be pre- 
sented in detail under each section. 

In carrying out the first special requirement of the resolution, 
a difficulty, experienced in all oyster localities, was at once 
encountered. The question arose here, as elsewhere, as to what 
was properly a "natural oyster bed." Naturally that question 
had to be answered before the natural beds could be surveyed aud 
located. Very few people know what is, or what constitutes a 
"natural bed." Indeed, it is only a matter of opinion, at the 
best, and opinions are likely to be influenced largely by self- 
interest. A large number of persons make a distinction between 



10 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

oyster beds that ebb dry and those that are covered at all states 
of the tide — a distinction which, it is needless to say, does not 
have any sound foundation to rest upon. Many also appear to 
think that a natural bed is not a "natural bed" in the meaning 
of the law, because it is a little one. On the other hand, there 
are some whose definition of natural bed is so liberal that it not 
only covers all places where oysters were in the past or are in 
the present, but includes any area where they might, could, 
would, or should grow in the future. Arguments have been 
made to the effect, that as the drifting spat was evidently a 
product of nature, wherever the spat attached or oysters grew, 
that spot became a natural oyster bed. Evidently such a view 
would preclude any and every system of oyster culture. On the 
other hand, it has been argued that small groups and bunches of 
oysters, separated and distinct from any considerable area, were 
not natural beds within the meaning of the law. A legal decis- 
ion (by Judge Goldsborough of Maryland) defines a natural bed 
as one not made by man, and of sufficient area to have been prof- 
itably worked by the general public, as common property, within 
some recent period of time. This decision has been practically 
adopted by the Shell-fish Commission of Connecticut in defining 
the natural beds of that State, and their course has been ap- 
proved by legislative enactment. Useful as a guide, however, 
it »would not be proper to be strictly governed by the Godsbo- 
rough decision iu defining the natural beds of North Carolina. 

In this State the oyster industry is yet in its infancy. The 
population is too sparse and the present demand too slight to 
have caused any continuous fishery or even any general knowl- 
edge of the positions or areas of the natural beds. Mere testi- 
mony as to previous fishery or non-fishery would not therefore, 
in all places, be conclusive; and it was necessary to supplement 
such testimony by actual examination of all the adjacent area. 
Such has been the course adopted. Interrogation of the oyster- 
men and fishermen has indicated the approximate positions of 
the oyster-beds. The locality was then searched carefully, the 
boundaries of the bed or beds defined, and allowance made for 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 11 

the possible expansion of the area in the future. Right lines 
will inclose the whole, which is considered, and will be desig- 
nated, as " public ground" in this report. This method has several 
important and practical advantages over any other that might be 
adopted. Should the so-called " public grounds" be the subject of 
legislative action, they can be specially described and enumerated 
in specific instead of general terms. They can be made a public, 
common property, without fear of infringing upon any rights or 
privileges, for within their boundaries are included not only the 
present natural beds, but enough adjacent area to allow for all 
natural expansion for all time to come; and the boundaries laid 
down, being considerably outside the natural beds, there will be 
no need for future surveys to determime the amount of that 
expansion. Finally, the method adopted, in addition to the 
other advantages, permitted the prosecution of the work with 
greater economy of time, labor and money. 

The survey of the private ground, so-called oyster gardens, 
was comparatively a simple matter. The law permits the Clerk 
of the Superior Court of the County to grant a license to any 
inhabitant of the State, and the general practice is to require a 
survey by a competent surveyor to accompany the application. 
The metes and bounds of the garden are consequently, in most 
cases, already of record, and it is only necessary to locate the 
initial point of each garden with reference to some of the general 
triaugulation points, to enable the private grounds to be accurately 
plotted on the general map. The clerks of the Courts furnished 
certified copies of all surveys and applications, and where the 
application stated that no natural oyster-bed is included, and was 
in the form of a deposition, only the location of the initial point 
of the boundaries was attempted. If there was any reason to 
suppose that the specified boundaries included a natural oyster- 
bed, a careful examination of the garden was made for the pur- 
pose of determining the fact. 

The general examination of the waters of the State with refer- 
ence to their possibilities for oyster culture was the most difficult 
and delicate part of the work. It required a scrutiny of the 



12 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

water and bottom ; measurement of the currents, determination 
of the specific gravities at various states of the tide and seasons 
of the year; microscopic examinations of water, bottom, and 
oysters ; a study of all the various surveys that have been made 
from time to time, and a more or less particular examination of 
the fauna of each locality. Some of this work could be done in 
the field. Much was necessarily office work, and fortunately the 
publications of the Coast Survey and U. S. Fish Commission 
supply a good deal of valuable data and have saved considerable 
time and expense. 

In order to carry out the spirit as well as the letter of the 
resolution and make the examination of as early practical bene- 
fit as possible, included in the general scheme was a project for 
diifusiug knowledge as to the possibilities of the industry in this 
State and the best manner of utilizing them. So many of those 
most directly interested in the extension of the industry are of 
the poorer class, without educational advantages, that publications 
alone would either fail of attention or fail to reach them at all. 
Consequently it was deemed best to put such advice and informa- 
tion as could be given, in the shape of familiar and informal 
lectures, directed especially to those who were to be most bene- 
fited by a knowledge of the experiences of other oyster-growing 
localities. A number of such lectures have been given with 
most gratifying success, both as to the interest of the audience and 
as to the effect in a practical way; quite a number of additional 
oyster gardens having been taken up in the several counties since 
the middle of November, 1885. 

METHODS USED IN THE SURVEY. 

The area and position of each natural and artificial bed were 
determined by utilizing the methods in use in ordinary hydro- 
graphic surveys. 

Large scale maps constructed by the Coast Survey in such a 
manner as to eliminate so far as possible errors, due to expansion 
and contraction of the paper, have been supplied. Upon these 
maps is indicated the exact position of several points determined 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 13 

by the Coast Survey triangulation. These points are also located 
by marks in the ground, and except where there has been a great 
lapse of time since the original survey, the positions can be ascer- 
tained and re-occupied. Errors which would arise from measur- 
ing new bases have thus been avoided. The old triangulation 
points having been found and signals erected thereon, such ad- 
ditional signals as were needed were put up and located by tri- 
angulating from the original triangulation points of the Coast 
Survey as a base. In only a few cases has it been necessary to 
carry this secondary system of triangles to any great distance, 
and consequently nearly all positions are in direct connection 
with the Coast Survey system, and the location of all lots and 
beds is with reference to geodetic points, which can always be 
recovered and re-occupied. This is a matter of great importance, 
especially should any conflict or difference arise as to titles. 

The necessary signals having been established, the ground in 
the locality has been gone over by an observer in a boat, who 
felt the bottom with a pole, and recorded his observations for 
reference. As often as necessary, his position was fixed by meas- 
uring with a sextant the angles between several of the signals. 
Usually, it has been the custom to get the local oystermen and 
fishermen to indicate the approximate position of the beds, before 
searching for them. The area in this immediate vicinity was 
then subjected to careful examination, in order to determine the 
boundaries of the bed. In addition, wherever there was reason 
to suppose undiscovered beds might exist, all other ground was 
examined with the same care. Whenever the depth of water 
has permitted, the schooner has also been sailed over the ground, 
dragging a large chain, a method which invariably detects not 
only the presence of oysters or shells on the surface, but also 
those that may be buried several inches in sand or mud. No pains 
have been spared to ascertain the position and locate every natu- 
ral bed ; and that term includes every area which has been com- 
monly worked by the public, or which produces oysters, marketa- 
ble or otherwise, without the assistance of man. 



14 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

The artificial beds, or private grounds — so-called oyster gar- 
dens — which have been established under authority of section 
3390 of The Code, have been located as described. The Clerks 
of the Superior Court in each county have supplied certified 
copies of the surveys, or designation, where there are no surveys; 
the owners of the lots have been notified whenever the officers 
reached their locality, and requested to point out the begin- 
ning stakes of their several tracts. When the owners declined 
or neglected to attend, the beginning stake has been ascertained 
by inquiry. These stakes have been located by measuring sex- 
tant angles between the signals already established, and the ini- 
tial point having thus been determined, the metes and bounds as 
given in the license or survey on file have been laid off', and the 
area of the lot ascertained. If the practice of requiring surveys 
and descriptions, giving metes and bounds, was uniform through- 
out the State, much trouble and labor would have been saved. 
But instead of being uniform, it has been just the reverse; each 
Clerk of Court having a different method of procedure, and a 
different form of application and license. Again, as these lots 
are usually described as beginning u at a stake," or "in a creek," 
or " off a point," it was absolutely necessary to secure the presence 
of the owner before the lot could be located. Generally, the 
owners have very willingly pointed out beginning stakes; but 
unless they choose to do so, there is absolutely no way of locating 
the ground in the vast majority of cases. 

The general examination of the waters of the State, with ref- 
erence to their possibilities for oyster culture, required princi- 
pally the study of two characteristics, viz. : of the water and of 
the bottom. 

Oysters will and do live on bottoms of almost directly oppo- 
site character. They are found on sand shoals and in soft mud ; 
on rocks, stumps and trees, and in clay and along the borders of 
marshes. In the same way they exist in water that is almost 
fresh, and in other cases where it is almost salt. The study of 
other localities, has given, however, a standard for comparison; 
and it may be accepted that the bottom should be as nearly as 



KEPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 15 

possible of saud or other substance sufficiently hard to support the 
oyster, cohered by a light layer of sticky mud. The principal 
necessity is that the oyster should not be smothered either by 
sinking into the bottom or by the shifting of the sand or other 
superficial stratum. In addition to the character of the bottom 
itself, it must be ascertained whether there is on it too great an 
amount of animal and vegetable life to permit the introduction 
of new forms. In other words, some study of the fauna and 
flora of the bottom must be made. Generally speaking, antago- 
nistic forms of life can be eradicated just as weeds, worms or 
bugs can be removed from a tract of upland; but in some cases 
the practical difficulty of doing so is so great as to render the 
locality unsuitable for experiment. The scrutiny of the bottom 
had, therefore, the ascertainment of the foregoing particulars as 
an end. To accomplish it the ground has been felt over with a 
pole, which method has been supplemented by dragging the 
chain whenever such a course has been practicable. By the use 
of oyster tongs, specimens of the bottom, of oysters and of the 
various other forms of life, have been obtained. Frequently the 
water has been sufficiently shallow to permit an ocular inspec- 
tion of the bottom, and in addition to these actual, personal 
examinations, a good deal of information has been gathered from 
fishermen aud others living in the locality. Only a small pro- 
portion of the actual number of examinations of bottom have 
been recorded — probably not one-fifth — but these exceed 100,000 
in number. 

The character of the water has an important, if not the most 
important, influence upon the life of the oyster. Chemical 
analyses are desirable, and in some cases necessary ; but generally 
speaking, the determination of the specific gravity of the water 
provides a sufficiently accurate standard for forming either com- 
parisons or opinions. 

The investigations of the Coast Survey in Tangier and Poco- 
moke Sounds, tributaries of Chesapeake Bay, and probably the 
largest oyster ground in the world, have indicated 1.0140 as the 
standard specific gravity, 1.0000 indicating the density of dis- 



16 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

tilled water at 60° F. The investigation also showed that the 
specific gravity of those waters could fall considerably below the 
standard without serious effect, and Count Pourtales, who in- 
vestigated the subject many years ago, came to the conclusion 
that oysters would live in water of as low specific gravity as 
1.0010 which is .013 below the standard here accepted. Indeed, 
within reasonable limits, it is not so much the absolute specific 
gravity as it is the rate and range of the fluctuations, which must 
be considered; for oysters can be accustomed to water of very 
great or little density; but water that changes rapidly from a 
high to low specific gravity or the reverse, will soon destroy the 
animals. 

In determining the specific gravity of the water, hydrometers 
of a very delicate character, devised for this purpose by Prof. 
Hilgard, late Superintendent of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic 
Survey, have been used. Three are necessary to cover the ordi- 
nary variation between sea and fresh water. They are described 
in the Report of the Coast Survey for 1874, Appendix 16. 

Specimens of water, aggregating 931 in number, have been 
secured from every locality, and several special lines across the 
Sounds have been run, for the purpose of obtaining what would 
be, practically, simultaneous observations at a number of points. 
All readings of the hydrometer have been reduced to the standard 
temperature of 60° F. 

It is well known among practical oystermen that oysters thrive 
best in rapid currents, though the reasons for their so doing are 
somewhat obscure. Probably the current brings a larger quan- 
tity of food within the reach of the animals, and also preserves 
them from being overwhelmed by deposits of sediment. 

Whatever the cause, the fact is well known, and any study of 
an oyster ground would be incomplete without more or less in- 
vestigation of the direction and velocity of the currents. 'Only 
a rough approximation, however, is necessary, and though the 
Coast Survey investigations in the Chesapeake have shown that 
over the best beds the current was from one quarter to one-half 
knot per hour, yet no fixed velocity can be assigned as most 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 17 

advantageous. . Generally speaking, the swifter the current the 
better; but an entire absence of current does not preclude the 
successful growth of oysters. 

The currents in the Sounds have been measured by using an 
ordinary chip log and line. At every anchorage these measure- 
ments have been made at intervals of four hours. Measure- 
ments have also been obtained by the boat parties, when separated 
from the schooner, and sufficient data have been accumulated to 
give a fair idea of the general set and strength of the currents in 
those parts of the Sounds which have been surveyed. 

An oyster bed is a very closely settled community; not only 
oysters, but innumerable other animals live on the area and its 
products. Many of these are directly harmful to the oysters; 
many others are only indirectly so. Among the former are 
nearly all the carnivorous gasteropods, or sea snails, and many 
species of crabs and star-fishes. Indirectly harmful, by devour- 
ing or obstructing the passage of food that would otherwise 
reach the oyster, are nearly all the large bivalve mollusks, such 
as clams, mussels, etc., many gasteropods and crustaceans, the 
sponges, grass and weeds. In a community of this sort evi- 
dently the struggle for existence must be severe, and it has 
been noticed that as one class of animals decreased there has 
been a tendency to increase upon the part of all the others. 
These characteristics are not peculiar to oyster beds alone ; all 
sea bottoms present similar features to a greater or less extent, 
and all have to be studied with refereuce to those features before 
a correct estimate can be given of the possibilities of any area. 

The examination of the bottom, water, and measurement of 
currents has, therefore, been supplemented by investigating, when 
practicable, the amount and character of the life on the beds and 
surrounding bottoms; and while this part of the work, for lack 
of time, has necessarily been superficial, yet enough information 
has been obtained to answer the purposes of the survey. 

Changes of bottom have a very serious effect upon natural 
or planted oysters, but it is only necessary to determine whether 
such changes are going on or are likely to occur. In the absence 
2 



18 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

of direct experiment, the only method of forming. an opinion on 
this point is by studying the maps and archives of the Coast 
Survey and comparing the'results with more recent determina- 
tions. So far as possible this has been done and in addition, 
much valuable information as to the Sounds has been secured 
from the same source. 

From the data obtained as has been described, the work has 
been plotted and certain conclusions reached. The latter are not 
to be considered as of absolute accuracy — that cannot be arrived at 
without elaborate and expensive experiments; and though the sev- 
eral locations, either of natural or artificial beds, are as exact as 
the most approved methods of surveying can make them, the 
decisions as to the suitability of the various areas for oyster cul- 
ture are but opinions, based upon a careful study of all the 
conditions necessary to the life of the animal. That others 
may, so far as possible, be enabled to decide for themselves, 
the results of our observations in each section and locality, 
as well as the conclusions based upon them are given in the fol- 
lowing pages : 

DESCRIPTION OF SECTIONS. 

For the reasons already specified, the waters of the State have 
been divided into 29 Sections. The metes and bounds, together 
with the area of each section are given, and also as minute a 
description as possible of the ground. The exact positions and 
areas of the natural and artificial beds cannot at present be stated, 
the field work not yet being plotted on the large scale maps. 

SECTION I. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, 
known as "Caroon's Point," in Lat. 35° 57' 24".59 N., and 
Long. 75° 48' 22".94 W., thence runs N. 83° 41' E. (true) 7| 
miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, known 
as " Mann's Point," in Lat, 35° 58' 14".7 N., and Long. 75° 40' 
05", 2 W., thence along the western shore line of Bodie's Island 



REPORT OX OYSTER CULTURE. 19 

to a point at the intersection of that shore line with a line drawn 
from the U. S. C S. triangulation point known as "South Base," 
in Lat. 35° 48' 35".01 N., and Long. 75° 32' 59" W., to the U. 
S. C. S. triangulation point known as "South Duck Island/' 
in Lat. 35° 47' 40".95 N., and Long. 75° 35' 20".30 W., 
thence along said line S. 64° 47' W. (true) 2| miles, more or 
less, to said U. S. C. S. triangulation point, "South Dock Island," 
thence N. 79° 45' W. (true) 6 J miles, more or less, to Roanoke 
Marshes Light House, in Lat, 35° 48' 40".7 N., and Long. 
75° 42' 03".73 W., thence Wesl (true) to a point where the said 
West line intersects the shore of the mainland ; theuce with said 
shore line of mainland to the beginning, containing, more or 
less, 48389.4 acres. 

This section includes Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, and has 
only been superficially examined. It is intended, on account of 
the inclemency of the winter months, to defer the detailed exam- 
ination of the section until the Spring. 

Croatan Sound is 10 miles long and about 3| miles wide, and 
extends in a N. N. W. and S. S. E. direction. Numerous small 
creeks empty into it from the mainland and from Roanoke 
Island and it is also the outlet of Albemarle and Currituck 
Sounds, which bodies are practically of fresh water. 

Depth of water: The average depth is from 8 to 10 feet. 
Along the western shores, from Roberts' Fishery to Callaghan's 
Creek, sand shoals make out ior one-quarter to one-third of a 
mile, and to the southward and eastward of Fleetwood Point, 
these shoals extend fully a mile in a S. E. direction. Along 
the eastern shore the water is bold, except about Weir's Point, 
where a sand shoal makes to the southward and westward. Two 
comparatively deep slues, of over fifteen feet, make up on each 
side of the Roanoke Marshes Light House for about two miles, 
and at the head of the Sound there is another area four to five 
miles long and about a quarter of a mile wide, which has a depth 
of from 13 to 18 feet. A sand shoal, nearly bare at low water, 
surrounds Fulker's Island in the eastern section of the Sound. 

Character of bottom: This is generally of sand, covered with 
a light layer of mud, except on the shoals already noted, where 



20 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

it is of sand alone, and in the deep slues, where it is of sticky 
mud. Many small mud spots will also be found in the Sound, 
but their extent is not great. The covering of mud is thicker in. 
the channel ways than along the shores. 

Specific, gravity: The average specific gravity is 1.0074. The 
least observed was 1.0020, in April, about the head of the Sound * 
the greatest was 1.0141, in October, near the Roanoke Marshes 
Light House. The least density was during north-westerly winds 
and the greatest after a south-easterly gale. 

Oyster beds.: These have not yet been accurately located. 
They all lie, however, about the lower or southern end of the 
Sound, in the neighborhood of tile Roanoke Marshes and the 
islands abreast of them. The oysters are small and the beds much 
broken up, partly through working them, but principally through 
natural causes. It appears as though there was a more or less 
constant deposit going on, due to sediment brought down from 
Albemarle Sound and from the wash of the adjacent shores. 
No predatory shell fish were found in this vicinity. 

Roanoke Sound, lies between Roanoke Island and the sand 
beach known as Bodie's Island, which separates the Sound from 
the ocean. At the southern end of the latter island is Oregon- 
Inlet, an' opening about one-third of a mile wide in the beach 
and through which the oceanic water is admitted to Roanoke 
and the northern portion of Pamplico Sound. Roanoke Sound 
is about 14 miles long; but only about 11 miles of this length 
is included in the section. At its northern end, it expands to 
a width of about 4 miles; but on an average is not more than 
2 miles wide. And about the middle of the Sound this width 
decreases to a little over one-half mile. 

Depth of ivater: The principal part of the area is taken 
up by sand shoals with but 1 or 2 feet of water over them. 
In the northern part where the Sound expands in an easterly 
and westerly direction, the depth increases to 6 and 8 feet; in 
the southern portion, below Broad* Creek, where there is another 
expansion, the depth is from 4 to 5 feet; and in the channel, 
which runs along the shore of Roanoke Island, from 5 to 12 



REPQUT ON OYSTER CULTURE, 21 

feet may be found. In Sballowhag Bay, which lies between 
Dolby's and Ballast Points, near the north end of Roanoke 
Island, the water is' from 3 to 7 feet deep; and in Broad Creek, 
which is near the southern end of the island, 3 to 5 feet. 

Character of bottom: Generally of hard hand. In the north- 
ern portion it becomes soft, consisting of mud, and in the deep 
channel along Roanoke Island it is sticky, consisting of tenacious 
mud and sand. In Shallowbag Bay it is soft, and in Broad 
Creek hard, but with some mud. 

Specific gravity: This ranges from 1.0070 to 1.0156, the 
least b,eing found about the northern, and the greatest about the 
southern end of the Sound. The average density is 1.0104. 

Oyster Beds: These lie along the edges of the channel from 
the southern end of Roanoke Island, nearly to Ballast Point. 
They have not yet been examined but have been reported as 
being very much broken up, which may well be the case, as the 
locality is the scene of a very active fishery. Such specimens of 
oysters as were obtained were of good quality and flavor, gene- 
rally much superior to those coming from the adjacent Sound. 
No predatory shell-fi<h were seen or reported as being common. 

There are a number of oyster-gardens in this section, whose 
approximate positions are indicated on the map accompanying 
this report. They will be more definitely located, and with the 
natural beds carefully examined when the elaborate investigation 
of this section is undertaken. 

The currents in both Croatan and Roanoke Sounds are quite 
strong, being on an average one half knot per hour, and in 
certain localities and under certain circumstances much stronger. 
About the Roanoke Marshes and at the southern end of Roanoke 
S'>und, near Duck Island, the gbb and flow is very strong, and 
with or after favoring winds exceeds at times a knot an hour. 
The usual set is to the nothward and southward, and both direc- 
tion and velocity are greatly influenced by the direction and 
force of the wind. There is, however, a general southerly set 
from Albemarle Sound, which is only interrupted by the back- 
ing up of the waters in Pamplico after strong easterly and 
southerly winds. 



22 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

While it is possible that both Croatan and Roanoke Sounds 
may be largely utilized for the purpose of raising oysters, it is 
not, in my opinion, probable that such will ever be the case. It 
will be observed that while the depth of water and character of 
the bottom in Croatan Sound are in every way suitable, yet the 
specific gravity is rather low ; and at times, no doubt, the water 
becomes almost entirely fresh. The appearance of those beds 
examined leads to a supposition that many of the oysters have 
been destroyed by the absorption of fresh water; and while this 
has been the case in many other localities, notably the James 
River, Va., yet the probabilities are that here it is of too fre- 
quent occurrence to justify the expenditure of much money in 
making experiments. 

In Roanoke Sound the same cause will operate, though to a 
less extent; but here, also, a large portion of the bottom is unsuit- 
able, consisting of sand shoals having but little or no water on 
them. Taking these facts into consideration, it is concluded that 
only that portion of Croatan Sound lying south of Fulker's 
Island and of Roanoke Sound, part of that lying south of Green 
Island, can be considered as suitable ground. Along the Roa- 
noke Island shore of Roanoke Sound, especially in Broad Creek 
and the other tributaries to the southward, the conditions are all 
favorable. But in Croatan Sound I have felt considerable hesi- 
tancy in assigning even so large an area as that indicated on the 
chart, as available. Subsequent study of these localities may, 
however, modify these opinions. The area, with the above 
restrictions, in the section which is considered suitable amounts 
to 14,866 acres, of which 6,948 acres are in Croaton and 7,918 
acres in Roanoke Sound. 

SECTION II. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Stumpy Point," in Lat. 35° 41' 29".96 N., and 
Long. 75° 42' 48" W., thence runs along the shore line of main- 
land to a point at the intersection of a line running West (true) 
from Roanoke Marshes Light House to the shore of mainland, 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 23 

thence runs East (true) along said line to suid Roanoke Marshes 
Light House in Lat. 35° 48' 40".7 N. and Long. 75° 42' 03".73 
W., thence S. 79° 45' E. (true) 6| miles, more or less, tc* 
the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known, as "South Duck 
Island," in Lat. 35° 47' 40".95 N., and Long. 75° 35' 20".3O 
\\ T ., thence N. 64° 47' E. (true) 2| miles, more or less, to 
a point at the intersection of the shore line with said line drawn 
from "South Duck Island" triangulation point, to the U. S. C. 
S. triangulation point, known as "South Base," in Lat. 35° 48' 
35".0l N., and Long. 75° 32' 59" W., thence to the southward 
along the western shore of the " Banks" or Bodie's Island to a 
point at the intersection of the shore with a line drawn from 
the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, known as "Pea Island," in 
Lat. 35° 42' 37".98 N., and Long. 75° 30' 41".06 W., to the IL 
S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Stumpy Point," thence 
with said lines 83° 30' W. (true) 114; miles, more or less, to 
said "Stumpy Point," the beginning, containing, more or less ? 
45757 acres. 

This section is practically the extreme northern portion of 
Pamplico Sound. It has been very carefully and systematically 
examined, and a map on a large scale is in course of preparation. 
'Depth of water: This is uniform over the greater portion of 
the area being generally from 10 to 12 feet. Close along the 
western shores, sand shoals with but three feet of water will be 
found, and off the several points many stumps and rotting trees. 
The eastern portion of the section is very shoal, and east of a 
line drawn south from the end of Roanoke Island, not over Q 
and 7 feet will be found, which depth decreases to the eastward 
to 2 and 3 feet or less, the shoal water extending fully 3| miles 
from the "Banks" side of the section. Many narrow and tor- 
tuous slues, wherein there is a greater depth of water, intersect 
the shoals, especially in the neighborhood of Oregon Inlet; but 
the general depth is not above 4 feet. From the western edge 
of this plateau the water deepens gradually for about a mile and 
a half, at which distance the deep water of the channel is 
reached. About the southern, central portion of the section the 



24 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

depth increases to 15 and 17 feet, and this slue, if it can be 
called so, as it is two miles wide on the southern boundary of 
the section, extends to the northward three and a half miles, 
where it comes to ahead, the depth gradually diminishing to 12 
and 13 feet. Over the oyster beds there is usually less water by 
a foot than over the contiguous bottoms. 

Character of bottom: This is either soft or hard mud, or 
soft or hard sand, except where shells or oysters are found. On 
the shoal plateau in the eastern portion, the bottom is hard sand, 
softening as the water deepens. Close along the western shores 
hard sand is also found, which becomes soft as the depth increases. 
In the channel way and on the major portion of the section, a 
moderately soft or sticky bottom exists, interspersed with nume- 
rous large areas of hard sand, with a light covering of mud. 
About Bunton's Islands and near Hog Island, along the north- 
ern boundary of the section, are several sand shoals, and the bot- 
tom generally in that neighborhood is of sand. As a rule, the 
bottom is soft or sticky, consisting of mud or mud and sand in 
the deep water; and elsewhere of sand, which grows harder as 
the shores or shoals are approached. Only in a few spots of 
inconsiderable area, is the bottom so soft as to preclude oyster 
culture. But along the edge of the elevated plateau or sand 
shoal in the eastern portion, and on that shoal, the bottom pos- 
sibly shifts during the gales. The area of soft, muddy bottoms 
in the section is 5,700 acres; of hard sand, whereon there is less 
than 4 feet of water, 13,900 acres. 

Specific gravity : The average density in the section is 1.0105. 
The least density was 1.0020, observed in April, just south of 
the Roanoke Marshes Light House during northerly winds. The 
greatest density, 1.0141, w T as found in October, off Oregon Inlet 
during easterly winds. The density of the water increases always 
with easterly and southerly winds, and decreases when the wind is 
from the northward or westward. The increase is due to the back- 
ing up of the water in Pamplico Sound and to the influence of Or- 
egon Inlet, though the latter is usually slight aud absorbed to a 
great extent by Roanoke Sound. The fall in specific gravity dur- 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 25 

iflg the northerly and westerly winds is due to the flow of water 
from Albemarle Sound; and without doubt, there are occasions 
during the freshets in that body, when the water in this section 
becomes too fresh; but this condition does not appear to continue 
for a sufficient length of time to destroy the oysters in great num- 
bers, as is shown by the large number of beds now existing. 

The density of the water may be considered uniform for the 
whole section, with a slight increase in the eastern and southern 
portions. 

Oyster beds: The size and position of these can be best under- 
stood by referring to the map, where they have been laid down 
from actual locations. It will be seen that they are quite numer- 
ous, and generally occupy positions along the edge of the deep 
water slue previously described. Many of these beds are only 
small lumps of oysters and shells, and many are also more or less 
•covered with layers of sand or mud. It is noticeable, however, 
that the number and size of the beds increases as the lower limit 
of the section is approached, and it was observed also that a 
much smaller number of beds appeared to be covered with mud 
or sand in that region than farther to the northward. 

The oysters are small and of rather inferior quality; no ene- 
mies were found, and the beds are seldom worked, being in water 
too deep for the ordinary tongs. There are no artificial beds in 
the section. 

Currents: These are of about the same strength as in Croatan 
Sound, varying from oue-quarter to one-half knot per hour, 
frequently exceeding that limit, and quite as frequently disap- 
pearing altogether. Generally the set is to the southward, except 
when the wind is from that direction. Both the direction and 
velocity of the current are directly dependent upon the winds, 
and no regular tidal action has ever been observed. 

The indications for this section are on the whole favorable 
with the exception of that portion of the area lying in the east- 
ern part, and embracing the high sand shoal already described. 
Otherwise, the bottom is suitable, the currents sufficiently strong 
and though the water is of rather a low specific gravity, still it 



26 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

is not so low as to make oyster culture impossible. Another 
deleterious influence is the deposit which is going on, as is evi- 
dent from the Dumber of beds which are covered with a light 
layer of mud or other sediment. While this influence is inju- 
rious, it would probably be less so if the areas were worked, as 
would be the case with an artificial bed. More trouble from 
this cause and from freshets will be experienced in the northern 
than in the southern portions of the section. The inferiority of 
the oysters is due principally to the fact that, they grow on un- 
cultivated ground, in crowded communities. Wjth greater room 
for development they would improve in size and quality if not 
in flavor. The shoal ground in the eastern half of the section 
is unsuitable for oyster growing, principally on account of the 
shifting nature of the bottom and the want of the depth of water. 
It would grow clams excellently ; but oysters would soon perish. 
Of the total area, I consider 31,800 acres as suitable ground, 
of which 5,700 acres is a possible rather than a probable field 
for oyster cultivation. Of the remaining 26,100 acres, 970 being 
already occupied by natural beds, I have no doubt that a fair 
marketable oyster can be raised. 

SECTION III. 

Description : Begins at theU. S. C. S. triangulation point known 
as " Gull Island," in Lat. 35° 28' 37".82 K, and Long. 75° 31 ' 
29".17 W., thence runs N. 13° 10' W., (true) 16£ miles, more 
or less, to a point at the intersection of said line N. 13° 10' W., 
(true) with a line drawn from. the U. S. O S. triangulation point 
known as "Pea Island," in Lat. 35° 42' 37 // .98 N., and Long. 
75° 30' 41 // .06 W., to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known 
as " Stumpy Point," in Lat, 35° 41' 29".96 N., and Long. 75° 
42' 48". 03 W., the said point of intersection being the corner 
of Section IV., thence with said line from "Stumpy Point" to 
"Pea Island," N. 83° 30' E., (true) 4| miles, more or less, to its 
intersection with the shore, thence along the western shore of 
Bodie's and Chickamicomico Islands to a point at the intersection 
of the shore line with the prolongation of a line drawn from the 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 27 

U. S. C S. triangulation point known as "Long Shoal Point," 
in Lat. 35 c 34' 34 // .53 N., and Long. 75° 40' 54".59 W., to the 
triangulation point known as "Gull Island/' thence with said 
line INT. 64° 45' W., (true) 2\ miles, more or less, to beginning, 
containing, more or less, 45,157 acres. 

This section is an unimportant one, consisting principally of 
the large shoal lying along the western shore of the " Banks" 
from Pea Islaud to Gull Island. It has only been superficially 
examined. 

Depth of water: Along the western edge of the section from 
6 to 10 feet may be found, but the principal portion of the area 
is occupied by a shoal having from 1 to 5 feet over it and being 
in many places bare at low water. This shoal, extending from 
2 to 4^ miles from the Banks is intersected, especially in the 
neighborhood of New Inlet, by numerous tortuous slues and 
narrow channels, having from 5 to 12 feet of water in them. 
Through these channels the current runs with great velocity, 
cutting away the shoal in one place and building it up in another, 
so that a continual change of channel and depth is going on. 
Along the western border of the sec; ion, where the depth is 
more uniform, these changes do not take place. 

Character of bottom : This is of hard sand except in the slues 
and channels on the shoals, where it is soft, and either of shift- 
ing sand or mud. A few spots of inconsiderable area (about, 
200 acres in all), in the deep water, have a muddy bottom; but 
generally that portion, like the shoals, is of hard sand. The area 
of sand shoal with less than 4 feet of water, is 19,700 acres. 

Specific gravity : For the section this is 1.0134. Only a few 
observations were taken in this neighborhood on account of the 
evident unsuitability for oyster culture of the greater part of the 
section. The density given is probably uniform throughout the 
area, increasing somewhat as New Inlet is approached. 

There are no oyster beds, natural nor artificial, in this section. 
The currents over the greater portion vary in strength and direc- 
tion with the winds and channels. In the neighborhood of New 
Inlet the general set is to and from that opening, the velocity 



28 EEPOET ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

depending upon the character of the channel and depth of water 
on the shoals, as well as upon the wind. Along the western 
border the current sets sluggishly to the northward and westward 
and southward and eastward. 

By far the greater portion of this section is unfit for oyster 
culture on account of the shoalness of the water and shifting 
nature of the bottom. Along the western boundary in from 7 
to 12 feet of water, there is a strip of bottom on which oysters 
could probably be raised ; but inexpensive experiments should be 
made before any extensive work is undertaken, as there is a pos- 
sibility that the bottom will shift during heavy gales. This 
possible area amounts to 9,200 acres. 

SECTION IV. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. 0. S. triangulation point, 
known as "Gull Island," in Lat. 35° 28' 37 // .82 N., and Long. 
75° 31' 29".17 W., thence runs N. 64° 45" W. (true) 16£ 
miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, known 
as "Long Shoal Point," in Lat. 35° 34' 34 // .53 N., and Long. 
75° 46' 54".59 W.; thence with the shore line of the main- 
land to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Stumpy 
Point," in. Lat. 35° 41' 29".96 N. and Long. 75° 42' -18".03 
W., thence running N. 83° 30' E. (true) 6| miles, more or less, 
along a line drawn to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known 
as "Pea Island," in Lat. 35° 42' 37 // .98 N., and Long. 75° 
30 ; 41 // .06 W. to a point at the intersection of said line from 
the said " Stumpy Point" and the line drawn from the "Gull 
Island" triangulation point in the direction N. 13° 10' W. 
(true); the said point of intersection being the corner of section 
III, thence along said line, S. 13° 10' E. (true) 16J miles, more 
or less, to the beginning, containing, more or less, 82,904 acres. 

This is not only a very large, but a very important section. 
It comprises, besides an extensive area in the Sound itself, those 
important bays known as Parched Corn Bay, containing 917 
acres, and Stumpy Point Bay or Lake, containing 1,389 acres. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 29 

Depth of water: Over the greater part of the section 14 feet 
will be found. In the northeast corner there is a tract about 4 
miles long and 1 mile wide, which has only from 8 to 10 feet 
over it ; the triangular shoal, known as Long Shoal, which 
extends from Sandy Point and Lon^ Shoal Point as a base, in a 
southeasterly direction, 2 miles beyond the Long Shoal Light 
House, has from 7 to 11 feet on it; and off the mouth of 
Stumpy Point Bay, extends for 1^ miles a shoal with from 8 to 
11 feet of water. In the southeastern corner is a small tract 
near Gull Island with an average depth of about 3 feet. 
Parched Corn Bay has from 2 to 6 feet, and Stumpy Point Bay, 
or Lake, has from 1 to 5 feet. Sandy Bay is shoal, having less 
than 3 feet. 

Character of bottom: Generally this is moderately liard, in 
many instances consisting of a layer of sand two or three inches 
thick over softer aud more tenacious bottom. In the south- 
western part between Long Shoal and the center of the sec- 
tion, is a large area, on which there is a good deal of soft 
and sticky bottom, consisting of mud, or mud and sand mixed 
together. There is another, though smaller area of soft bottom 
near the middle of the northern boundary of the section. On 
the shoals the bottom is of sand, more or less hard, according to 
the depth of water. In Parched Corn Bay the bottom is hard 
mud in the middle and mud and sand about the edges. In 
Stumpy Point Bay soft mud predominates, and for about a mile 
to the southward of Stumpy Point a sandy bottom will be found. 

While the general character of the bottom is hard, there are 
numbers of small tracts scattered over the area which have soft, 
muddy bottoms, or mud on top of a sandy stratum. In the 
neighborhood of the oyster beds the bottom is usually soft. 

Specific gravity: The average density is 1.0124; the greatest 
1.0147, and the least 1.0092, were observed in October, within 
a few days of each other. The observations in April showed a 
density of 1.0100. The general range of density is, however, 
slight, a large number of observations giving about 1.0120 as a 
result. The influence of New and Hatteras Inlets begins here 



30 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

to be apparent, and the specific gravity remains more stable than 
in Section I. 

Oyster beds: The areas and positions of these are laid down 
on the accompanying map. It will be seen by reference to it 
that several small beds are indicated as existing in the eastern 
and southeastern portions of the section. These can hardly be 
considered "beds/' as they are mere lumps of shells and oysters, 
of so small an area that it was difficult to find them with the 
poles and had not the chain been in use they would have been 
missed altogether. In Parched Corn Bav and about Long Shoal 
Point are several beds of considerable importance, principally 
on account of the ease with which they are worked and the 
sheltered locality in which they lie. They are, however, being 
slowly destroyed by over fishery. About two miles southeast 
from Sandy Point are a number of beds in 12 to 14 feet of 
water, some of which are of considerable size and importance. 
The oysters grow on them in lumps and clusters and show the 
usual inferiority due to over crowding. A little over 3 miles 
E. S. E. of Stumpy Point is quite a large bed presenting the 
same characteristics, and 4J miles due east of Stumpy Point, on 
the edge of the channel, is another bed of considerable area, 
which has been but little worked. The remaining beds shown 
on the map are small and unimportant. 

There is very little work done on any of these areas, except 
those about Long Shoal Point and off Sandy Point, the water 
being too deep for the use of tongs. Moderate dredging on 
the beds would increase their size and improve the oysters. 
There are no artificial beds in the section, and no enemies of the 
oyster were observed. The currents set to the northward and 
southward with the winds. The average velocity is J knot per 
hour. The maximum velocity observed, was J knot. After 
heavy rain storms, there is a set of fresh water from Stumpy 
Point Lake (now a bay), but with that exception no fresh water, 
other than that derived from Albemarle Sound, enters the sec- 
tion. 

I regard this section as offering a very good field for oyster 
culture. The bottom is generally suitable, with the exception 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 31 

of the high sand shoal off Long Shoal Point, the shoal ground 
in Sandy Bay and the long sand shoal making to the southward 
from Stumpy Point. The area included in these several excep- 
tions is but 2,800 acres. The water is of a sufficiently high specific 
gravity, though there is some danger to be apprehended from 
freshets. The currents are strong enough to bring food to the 
animals, if not sufficient to prevent the deposit of sediment, and 
finally the numerous natural beds would supply spat as well as 
brood oysters for the artificial beds established in the vicinity. 
Stumpy Point Bay and Lake would probably prove good ground 
for the temporary deposit of marketable oysters for fattening pur- 
poses. Taking out the area deemed unsuitable, 2,800 acres, the 
area now occupied by natural beds, 850 acres, there remains over 
79,000 acres, which now yield nothing, but can in all proba- 
bility be made to produce a good marketable oyster. 

SECTION v. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as " King's Point," in Lat. 35° 16' 12".26 N. and 
Long. 75° 36' 09".26 W., thence running N. 54° 20' W. (true) 
8^ miles, more or less, to a point at the intersection of this line 
with a line running N. 50° 45' E. (true) to the U. S. C. S. tri- 
angulation point, known as "Gull Island," in Lat. 35° 28' 
37".82 N. and Long. 75° 31' 29".17 W., the said point being 
the corner of Section IX.; thence running along said line N. 
50° 45' E. (true) 14 miles, more or less, to the said "Gull 
Island" triangulation point, thence runniug S. 64° 45' E. (true) 
2J miles, more or less, to the intersection of said line S. 64° 45' 
E. (true) with the shore line, thence along the western shore line 
of Hatteras Bank to the beginning, containing, more or less, 
60,G26 acres. 

This section has only been superficially examined, and though 
of large area, most of which appears to be favorably situated 
for oyster culture, more detailed examinatiau may modify the 
opinions now entertained regarding it. 



32 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Depth of water: About one-half the section is occupied by 
the large sand shoal making out to the westward for about 4 miles 
from Kinnakeet and Hatteras Banks. Over this shoal the water 
varies greatly in depth, ranging from 1 to 10 feet. Many 
tracts of considerable area having a uniform depth of 8 and 10 
feet can be found, while between them much larger areas of com- 
paratively high shoal exist. A large tract of very shoal water 
lies between Little Kinnakeet and Gull Island, and another lies- 
southwest of Little Kinnakeet, northwest of Kinnakeet and 
about 2 miles from the shore. The remaining very shoal areas are 
small, the general depth of water, except in the slues, ranging from 
3 to 4 feet. A deep slue 2-J miles long and J mile wide lies a 
little off the shore to the southward and westward of Kinnakeet 
another called the "Cape Channel," makes in from the deep water 
in an E. by S. direction for 3J miles, and is over one-half mile 
wide ; and a large area with a depth of 8 feet lies in the south- 
east corner of the section, near King's Point. Other similar,, 
but smaller tracts are scattered about over the plateau. 

This breaking up of the shoal probably so disturbs the sea that 
there is a possibility that any oysters deposited on the bottom 
would not be covered by moving sand. Experiments, however, 
are needed to decide the question. The western half of the sec- 
tion lies in deep water of from 14 to 18 feet. 

Character of bottom: On the shoal lying in the eastern half of 
the section the bottom is of sand, except in the slues and deep 
water areas, where it is a mixture of sand and mud, and occa- 
sionally of mud alone. The higher the shoal the harder the bot- 
tom. The western half of the section, where the water is deep, 
has a bottom somewhat similar to that described in section IV, 
though there is a larger proportion of mud. In the neighbor- 
hood of the shoal the bottom is hard ; as the western boundary is 
approached, it becomes softer, consisting of fine sand and mud. 

Specific gravity : Iu advance of the detailed examination of 
this section it is impossible to speak decisively as to the density 
of the water; a specific gravity of 1.0120 to 1.0130 is indi- 
cated as probable. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 33 

No oyster beds are reported to exist in the section, though 
a few scattered groups are occasionally found along the 
shore. Lack of time and the inclemency of the weather 
prevented a search for beds, and the statements of the fish- 
ermen had to be accepted. No currents were measured, but 
they are probably sluggish, with a general set towards Hatteras 
Inlet. Without more careful examinations and greater infor- 
mation than is at present at my disposal, it is difficult to speak 
positively as to the probabilities in this section. The indications 
are that a large portion of the area can be utilized for oyster 
culture. Certainly that portion lying west of the shoals and 
also the large areas with deep water lying in the eastern half. 
Possibly portions of the shoal itself can be utilized. The area 
of very shoal ground which is certainly unsuitable is 9,400 
acres, and of the remaining 51,000 acres it is possible that 
10,000 may be unfit. I think that it is within the limits to 
assign 41,000 acres to this section as suitable, with a possible 
expansion of this area to 50,000 acres. 

SECTION VI. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Gull Island," in Lat. 30° 28' 37".82 N., and Long. 
75° 31' 29".17 W., thence running S. 50° 45" W. (true) 14 
miles, more or less, to a point at the intersection of this line with 
a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
"King's Point," in Lat. 35° 16' 12".26 N., and Long. 75° 36' 
09".26 W. to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
"Gibb's Point," in Lat. 35° 29' 38".47 N., and Long. 75° 57' 
42". 19 W., the same being the corner of Sections VIII and IX, 
thence with said line from "King's Point" to "Gibb's Point," 
N. 54° 20' W. (true) 13^ miles, more or less, to a point at the 
intersection of said line with a line drawn N. 59° 30' E. (true) 
to Long Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 33' 23" N„ and Long. 
75° 42' 16" W., the said point being the corner of Sections X 
and IX, thence running N. 59° 30' E. (true) 12J miles, more 



34 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

or less, with said line to a point at the intersection of said line 
with a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Long Shoal Point," in Lat. 35° 34' 34".53 N., and 
Long. 75° 46' 54".59 W., to the aforesaid U. S. C. S. triangn- 
lation point on Gull Island, the said point of intersection being 
the corner of Section VII, thence with said line S. 64° 45' E. 
(true) 12^ miles, more or less, to beginning, containing, more or 
less, 95,776 acres. 

This section, while very large, is unimportant, nearly the entire 
area being unfit for oyster culture; and on that account it has 
been but superficially examined. 

Depth of water: This is generally uniform, ranging from 18 
to 20 feet. In the Northeastern corner, about 4 miles from Gull 
Island, the water shoals gradually to 8 feet at |- mile from the 
island; and in the Northwestern corner, in the neighborhood of 
Long Shoal, there is a small tract with an average depth of 1 4 feet. 
Character of bottom: This is of soft mud mixed with fine 
sand and in places with finely broken shells. In the Northeast- 
ern corner where the water begins to decrease in depth, the bot- 
tom gradually changes with the depth, to hard sand. In the 
Northwest corner, near Long Shoal, it is also of hard sand. 
Specific gravity: The average for the section is 1.0137. 
There are no oysters of any kind within the section. 
The currents set with the wind with a velocity depending 
upon its force. A slow set to the Southward exists in calm 
weather. 

The soft nature of the bottom will prevent the greater portion 
of this otherwise admirably situated area from being utilized. 
It is by no means impossible to raise oysters on such bottoms; 
indeed, if properly prepared, they form excellent ground. But 
the expense of preparation, which is essentially the solidifying 
of the bottom, is too great to encourage the undertaking in these 
localities. With the exception then of the shoal tracts in the 
Northeast and Northwest corners and a small area in the South- 
east corner, as indicated on the maps, the section must be con- 
sidered as unsuitable. The area of these excepted tracts is 
15,300 acres, upon which excellent oysters can be grown. 



REROET ON OYSTER CULTURE. 35 



SECTION VII. 



Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Gibb's Point," in Lat. 35° 29' 38".47 N., and Long. 
75° 57' 42". 19 W., thence running along shore line of the main 
land to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Long 
Shoal Point," in Lat. 36° 34' 34".53 N., and Long. 75° 46' 54" 
.59 W., 'thence running S. 64° 45' E. (true) 4J miles, more or less, 
r o a point at the intersection of this line with a line drawn S. 
59° 30' W. (true) from Long Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 
33' 23" N. and Long. 75° 42' 16" W., the said point of in- 
tersection* being; the corner of Section A 7 I ; thence running 
S. 59° 30' W. (true) 124; miles, more or less, to a point at the 
intersection of said line S. 59° 30' W. (true) with a line drawn 
from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, "King's Point," in 
Lat. 35° 16' 12".26. N., and Long. 75° 36' 09".26 W., to the 
aforesaid triangulation point, u Gibb's Point," the said point of 
intersection being the corner of Sections VI, IX and X, thence 
with said line from "King's Point" to "Gibb's Point," N. 54° 
20' W. (true) 4 miles, more or less, to the beginning, containing 
more or less, 43,038 acres. 

This section is an important one, comprising as it does the 
famous oyster grounds iu Far and Waupoppin creeks, Long 
Shoal River and Pains Bay. 

Depth of water: This ranges from 17 feet, along the eastern 
boundary of the section, to 2 feet along the shores. About 2 
miles off shore 14 feet will be found, from which line the water 
shoals gradually to 6 feet within a half-mile of the marsh. Inside 
of the 6 foot line the shoal is more abrupt. At the mouth of 
Long Shoal River, a long, high shoal with 1 to 2 feet of water 
over it, known as Pingleton Shoal, makes out from the middle of 
the river, to the southward and eastward for about two miles. In 
Far and Waupoppin creeks, the depth of water is about 2 feet; 
in the Long Shoal River, from 4 to 8 feet, and in Pains Bay, 
an arm of Long Shoal River, 4 feet. 



36 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Character <f bottom : In the deep water of the Sound, the 
bottom is soft, consisting of mud. As the shore is approached, 
this mud becomes harder and is mixed with sand, so that within 
the 12 foot, curve the bottom is sticky, consisting of hard mud 
and sand, interspersed with small areas of hard sand. Inside 
the 6 foot curve hard bottom is found to a greater extent and with 
a good deal of grass growing over it. In Far and Waupoppin 
creeks, the bottom is soft and sticky, consisting of a layer of mud 
3 inches thick over sand, with hard sand near the shores. In Long 
Shoal River the bottom near the shore is somewhat similar, but is 
softer in the middle. Pains Bay is soft or sticky, consisting of 
mud and fine sand. 

At this date, the survey of Long Shoal River and tributaries 
is not completed and it is impossible to give many details regard- 
ing that area. 

Specific gravity: The average density for the section is 1.0125. 
The least density observed, 1.0116, was off the mouth of Long 
Shoal River during light westerly winds. The greatest density > 
1.0142, was about the middle of the section during strong south- 
westerly winds. The density in Far Creek is 1.0120; in Wau- 
poppin Creek, 1.0119; in Oyster Creek, 1.0124, and off the 
mouths of these creeks, 1.0128. 

Density observations have not yet been obtained for Long 
Shoal River and its tributaries; but as a density varying from 
1.0116 to 1.0123, was found at the mouth of the river, it may- 
be assumed that that range of specific gravity will not be ex- 
ceeded within the river itself, except about its head. 

The peculiarly high specific gravity of this section appears at 
first to be anomalous, as it is about as distant from the salt water 
supply as any in the Sound. It is probably due, however, to 
the shelter from the Albemarle current, afforded by the long 
shoal off Long Shoal Point, which appears to divert the fresh 
water somewhat to the eastward and in the direction of Hatteras 
Inlet. 

Oyster Beds: While these are not very numerous, they are 
important on account of their superiority to the usual growth, the 



KEPOUT O.N OYSTER CULTURE. 37 

Far Creek oysters having a deservedly high reputation. Most 
of these high grade oysters come from the "gardens" or planted 
grounds, though a number are still found in and off the creek. 
The original beds have to a great extent disappeared, either 
through over fishery or natural causes, and the oysters now 
found are few and far between, a man and boy experiencing dif- 
ficulty in obtaining two bushels a day. This very scarcity, due 
to the scattering of the oysters has, however, so much improved 
the oysters that they bring high prices, especially as all are old, 
probably the survivors of the original "rocks." 

There«is a small bed off Gibb's Point, and a large one on the 
Pingleton Shoal that are still productive, and in and about the 
marshes at the mouth of Long Shoal River are a few small beds 
or scattered lumps of oysters which jjfe not of great importance 
and have not yet been located. The entire area of natural beds 
in the section does not exceed 230 acres. The Pingleton Shoal 
bed is being destroyed rapidly by over fishery, and the oysters 
even at present, are both scarce and of inferior quality. The arti- 
ficial beds or "oyster gardens," of which there are 21 in the sec- 
tion, comprising about 165 acres, are located principally in Far 
Creek and its tributaries. A few lie in Pains Bay, but none at 
all in the Sound. In many of these gardens the oysters thrive 
admirably and they would do better in all, had a better stock for 
planting been selected. No one has made any effort to catch the 
young oysters or spat by exposing collectors, or to do anything 
beyond transplanting the oysters from the natural to the artifi- 
cial grounds, which is the crudest form of cultivation. 

The currents in this section are variable and sluggish, setting 
with the wind with a low velocity. Out of the Long Shoal 
River there is a slight set during calm weather, but no sufficient 
fall exists anywhere along the shores to make a current of such 
rapidity as would have any particular effect. 

Section VII is so admirably situated, and has already so 
high a reputation for its oysters that probably, in time, the 
whole of it will be utilized. But a large proportion of its 
bottom is so soft that considerable expense will have to be 



38 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

incurred before it can be made available. I have therefore 
excluded those areas lying in deeper water than 14 feet 
from consideration, deeming them at present unfit for oyster 
culture. I also consider the high shoal, known as Pingle- 
ton Shoal, the shoal off the southern point of Pains Bay, and 
the shoal lying along the marsh from the entrance to Long 
Shoal River to Long Shoal Point, as unsuitable. Remaining is 
the area of Pains Bay 1148 acres, of Long Shoal River, 2816 
acres, of the bay between Shad and Pingleton Points, 807 acres, 
of Far Creek and tributaries 729 acres, and the area in the 
Sound in less than 14 feet of water, 22,089 acres, or a total of 
22,489 acres, which is suitable for oyster culture. Of this area 
395 acres are occupied, leaving 22,094 acres unproductive. 

SECTION VIII. 

Description: Begins at a point on the western shore line of 
Ocracoke Island, at the intersection of said shore line with a 
line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
" Great Swash," in Lat. 35° 08' 53".44 N., and Long. 75° 52' 
24". 79 W., to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
"Hog Island," in Lat. 35° 21' 49 // .58 N., and Long. 76° 03' 40" 
.44 W., thence running along said line from the "Great Swash" 
to "Hog Island" K 35° 28' W., (true) 2| miles, more or less, 
to a point at the intersection of said line with a line drawn from 
Royal Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 
76° 09' 30" W., N. 82° 53' E. (true), the said point of inter- 
section being the corner of sections XII and IX, thence run- 
ning N. 43° 17' E. (true) 15 J miles, more or less, to a pojnt at 
the intersection of this line with a line drawn from the U. S. C. 
S. triangulation point known as "King's Point," in Lat. 35° 16' 
12".26 N., and Long. 75° 36' 09".26 W., to the U. S. C. S. 
triangulation point known as " Gibb's Point," in Lat. 35° 29' 
38".4 N.,and Long. 75° 57' 42".19 W., the said point of inter- 
section being the corner of section IX, VI and V, thence 
running S. 54° 20' E., (true) 8J miles, more or less, to the 
intersection of the shore line with the said line to "King's 
Point" triangulation point, thence from said intersection run- 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 39 

ning along the western shore line of Hatteras and Ocracoke 
Islands and across Hatteras Iulet, to beginning, containing more 
or less 61,834 acres. 

Tiiis section comprises the ground in the vicinity of Hatteras 
Inlet, and it is unfortunate that bad weather in September and 
the early part of October prevented its careful examination, for 
the indications are favorable for a large portion of the area. 

Depth of renter: The greater part of the section is occupied 
by shoals having less than 12 feet of water over them. To the 
southward and westward of the Inlet these shoals extend about 
three miles from shore and close to the western boundary line, 
and off Qualk Hammock the shoal is very high, the 2 foot 
curve being 2 miles from the land. To the northward and 
westward of the Inlet the shoals extend even farther, the 3 foot 
curve being 4 miles off Durant's Point. But in this direction 
the shoal is more or less broken, as described in section V. 

Each shoal has a distinctive name which is familiar to all 
frequenters of that neighborhood, and a description of each is 
hardly necessary. The Bird Island or Clam Shoal, the Log 
Shoal, the Egg Shoal and Oliver's Reef form practically one large 
shoal with from 1 to 3 feet of water over it, extending from the 
northern boundary of the section, about four miles off shore, to 
the Oliver Reef Light House, and being about 5| miles long 
and 1 mile wide. 

Between this line of shoals and the shore is an area of com- 
paratively deep water, the depth ranging from 5 to 12 feet. On 
the Southern side of the iulet there is also a deep water slue of 
from 6 to 10 feet, known as Guess Reef Channel, between the 
shoals and the Legged Lump and the shore; but it is of much 
less area than the tract to the northward. Due North of the 
inlet is a space about 2^ miles long and a mile or so wide, which 
is made up of lumps and bars between comparatively deep chan- 
nels, formed by the rapid currents running in and out the 
Inlet. The depth of water ranges here between a few feet 
and several fathoms. To the westward of the shoals and be- 
tween them and the western boundary line of the section, the 



40 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

depth is fairly uniform, increasing gradually from 12 to 15 and 
17 feet, the shoaler water being found to the southward. An 
inspection of the accompanying map will give a good idea of the 
contour of the bottom, especially outside the shoals. 

Character of bottom: This is, for nearly the whole section, of 
sand. On the shoals it is hard; in the deep water it becomes 
somewhat softer and is mixed with a little mud; in the deep 
slues and areas between the shoals and the islands there is more 
mud, but it is only a superficial stratum, sand being found under- 
neath. The section not having yet been subjected to detailed 
examination it is impossible to speak very positively on this sub- 
ject. 

Specific gravity: The average density for the section is 1.0148. 
The maximum density observed, 1.0157, was close to the In- 
let; the minimum density, 1.0133, was near the western boun- 
dary. 

Oyster beds: These have only been approximately located and 
are not of great importance. The total area is about 220 acres. 
South of the Legged Lump and half way between those islets 
and Qualk Hammock, on the western side of the Inlet and along 
the southern edge of the Guess Reef Channel, are several beds; 
to the northward and eastward of the Egg and Log Shoals and 
on the western side of the Log Channel are quite a number, and 
about Bird Island and Egg Shoal are several more. In the deep 
water in shore of these shoals there are a few oysters sparsely 
scattered ; but outside the shoals in the Sound, no beds or oysters 
exist. No oyster gardens have been taken up within the limits 
of the section. No enemies of the oyster were found or heard 
of, but it is possible that the detailed survey may discover them. 
Probably both the star fish (Asterias) and the drills (Urosal- 
pinx cinereus and allied forms) will be found here and about 
Ocracoke Inlet if anywhere; and the "conchs" {Fulgur carica 
and sycotypus canalieulatus) are known to be plentiful in both 
regions. 

The currents in this section are regular and strong, especially 
about the Inlet where they average from one-half knot to a knot 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 41 

per hour. The action is a tidal one, influenced more or less by 
the winds and flow of water from the Sound. The general set 
is to and from the Inlet. 

I consider about two-thirds of this section as suitable ground 
for growing oysters, though, possibly, they would need trans- 
planting in fresher water before being fit for market. The bottom 
is generally clean and hard, the specific gravity high, and the 
currents strong. It is possible, however, that the bottom out- 
side the shoals will shift in heavy weather, and an experiment to 
decide that question has been made; but the result cannot be 
ascertained until the spring. The high shoals on either side of 
the Inlet and the shoal ground having less than 3 feet along the 
shores, I consider unsuitable from the liability of the bottom to 
shift and on account of the general disadvantages due to so slight 
a depth. Excluding those areas and that directly north of the 
Iulet where the bottom is so irregular in contour, there remains 
48,300 acres that are probably fit for cultivation. 

SECTION IX. 

Description: Begins at the intersection of a line drawn from 
the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, known as "Great Swash," in 
Lat. 35° 08' 53".44 N., and Long. 75° 52' 24".79 W., to the U. 
S. C S._triangulation point, known as " Hog Island," in Lat. 35° 
21' 49".58 N., aud Long. 76° 03' 40".44 W., and the line drawn 
N. 82° 53' E. (true), from the Royal Shoal Light House, in 
Lat. 35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 30" W., the said 
point of intersection being the corner of Sections XII and 
VIII, thence running X. 35° 28' W. (true), 12f miles, more 
or less, along said line from the "Great Swash" triangu- 
lation point, to the "Hog Island" triangulation point, the 
same being the corner of Section XIII, thence running N. 
37° 40' E. (true), 11 J miles, more or less, to a point at the 
intersection of this line, N. 37° 40' E. (true), with a line drawn 
from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point; known as "Gibb's 
Point," in Lat. 35° 29' 38".44 N., and Long. 75° 57' 42".19 
W., to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point, known as "King's 



42 REPOET ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Point," iii Lat. 35° 16' 12".26 N., and Long. 75° 36' 09".26 
W., the said point of intersection being the corner of Sections 
X, VII, and VI, thence running S. 54° 20' E. (true) 13£ miles, 
more or less, with said line from " Gibb's Point" to ''King's 
Point" triangulation points, to a point at the intersection of said 
line with a line drawn N. 50° 45' E. (true), to the U. S. C. S. tri- 
angulation point known as "Gull Island," in Lat. 35° 28' 37" 
.82 N., and Long. 75° 31' 9".17 W., the said point of inter- 
section being the corner of Sections VI, V and VIII, thence 
running S. 43° 17' W., (true) 15£ miles, more or less, to the 
beginning, containing, more or less, 103,270 acres. 

This section, which like Section VI, lies in the middle of 
the Sound, while comprising an unusually large area is not of 
great importance, as but a comparatively small portion of it is 
suitable for oyster culture. 

Depth of water: This is generally about 20 feet. Along the 
eastern boundary of the section is a tract about 12 miles long 
and from 1J to 2 miles wide, where the depth ranges from 14 to 
18 feet; and as the western boundary is approached the depth 
also decreases to 17 and 18 feet. About the middle of that 
boundary a portion of the Gull Shoal having from 7 to 10 
feet over it and extending from the boundary S. E. 1J miles, is 
found; and about E. S. E. from the point of the Gull Shoal for 
2 miles further is water of from 12 to 17 feet. In the middle 
of the section 23 to 24 feet is the general depth. 

Character of bottom : Along the eastern boundary, on the com- 
paratively shoal space already described, the bottom is of sand 
with finely broken shells. Along the western boundary, on the 
Gull Shoal, and in its neighborhood, the bottom is also of sand 
with considerable areas of mixed sand and mud, forming a sticky 
or tenacious upper stratum. Ground of this character will be 
found along the western boundary 1^ miles from the N. W. 
corner, extending about 5 miles and varying in width from 1 to 
4J miles. In the deep water in the middle of the section the 
bottom is of soft, blue mud, mixed with broken shells. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 43 

Specific gravity: This is practically uniform for the whole 
section. The least density was 1.0125 and the greatest 1.0139. 
Hie average is 1.0133. 

Northerly winds diminish and southerly and easterly winds 
iircrease the specific gravity. 

There are no oysters in this section. 

The currents are sluggish and are principally due to the wind; 
a slight set in the direction of Hatteras Inlet is found about 
the eastern portion of section. 

The character of the bottom (soft mud) will prevent the 
greater part of this section from being utilized, except at great 
expense. Otherwise, it is admirably situated, having a good 
depth and the right specific gravity of the water. The compar- 
atively shoal ground along the eastern and western boundaries, 
where the bottom is hard, or sufficiently so to support the oysters, 
is, however, well adapted to cultivation. This area amounts to 
32,980 acres. 

SECTION X. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Gibb's Point," in Lat. 35° 29' 38".47 N., and 
Long. 75° 57' 42".19 W., thence running 8. 54° 20' E. (true) 
4 miles, more or less, along a line drawn from the said "Gibb's 
Point" to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as "King's 
Point," in Lat. 35° 16' 12".26 N., and Long. 75° 36' 09".26 
W., to the intersection of said line with a line drawn from 
Long Shoal Light House, S. 59° 30' W. (true), the said point 
of intersection being the corner of sections VI, VII and IX, 
thence running S. 37° 40' W. (true), 11-J miles, more or less, to 
a point at the intersection of this line S. 37° 40' W. (true), 
with a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point known as "Great Swash," in Lat. 35° 08' 53".44 
K, and Long, 75° 52' 24".79 W., to the U. S. C. S. 
triangulation point, known as "Hog Island," in Lat. 35° 21' 
49".58 N., and Long. 76° 03' 40".44 W., the said point of 



44 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

intersection being the corner of sections IX, XII and XIII, 
thence running N. 35° 28' W. (true) 3J miles, more or less, to 
the said "Hog Island" triangulation point, thence in the same 
direction across Hog Island to the mainland, thence with the 
shore line of the mainland to beginning, containing, more or 
less, 30,291 acres. 

While this is not a very large section it is an important one 
on account of facility with which oysters can be raised in it. 
It comprises the region lying between Gibb's Point or Far Creek 
and Hog Island, and includes Wyesocking Bay and its tributa- 
ries, 3,727 acres, and Middlelon Anchorage or Bay, with its trib- 
utaries, 1,002 acres. 

Depth of water: This is very irregular, especially about the 
mouth of Wyesocking Bay. A long "T" shaped shoal with 
from 3 to 6 feet of water on it makes out east from Hog Island 
Point about 2J miles. The head of the "T" is at this outer 
extremity and is about 2 miles long, extending X. X. E. and S. 
S. W., and ^ mile wide. Another shoal, with from 3 to 6 feet 
over it, makes out to the southward and eastward 2 J miles from 
Long Point, the northern entrance to Wyesocking Bay. About 
3J miles to the southward of Middleton Creek is a shoal (Gull 
Shoal ?) with an average depth of 4 feet, ^ of a miie wide, and 
extending 2J miles S. E. from the shore. Off Gibb's Point 
the Gibb's Shoal, having from 2 to 4 feet over it, extends 2| 
miles to the southward and eastward. Between the shoals in 
Wyesocking Bay the depth is from 2 and 4 feet along the shores 
to 8 and 10 feet in the bay; between Long Point Shoal and the 
Gull Shoal the depth is from 7 to 12 feet, and between the Gull 
Shoal and Gibbs' Shoal from 8 to 15 feet will be found. The 
narrow strip of bottom lying between the shoals and the western 
boundary of the section has over it about 14 feet. 

Specific gravity: The density of the water outside the bays 
and creeks is 1.0138. That within the creeks has not yet been 
determined, but there is no reason to suppose that it will fall be- 
low 1.0120. 



REPORT O.N OYSTER CULTURE. 45 

Oyster beds: Detailed surveys have not yet l>een made in Wye- 
socking Bay or to the southward of Middleton Anchorage. 
The positions and areas given of the oyster beds are therefore 
but approximations. About Hog Island and between Hog 
Island and Hog Island Point are a number of small beds and 
scattered groups of oysters; in Mt. Pleasant Bay the beds are 
about of the same character; in the middle of Wyesocking Bay 
and between Hog Island and Long Point there are numbers of 
beds of good size — one in particular — the "Gull Rock," being 
quite large. Oysters also are found in the several creeks and 
occasionally along the marshes, but the exact location of these 
unimportant areas has not yet been attempted. The approximate 
area occupied by beds is 434 acres, which is probably in excess 
of the real amount. There are five "oyster gardens" of record, 
located in Wilson's, Middle and Cypress Creeks. Their area is 
in the aggregate 22f acres. Altogether the natural and artificial 
beds of the section occupy less than 2G0 acres. 

Until more thorough examinations are made in this section, it 
is impossible to say whether the usual enemies of the oyster 
flourish, here or not; but there is no probability of finding them 
in excessive numbers even should they exist. No measure- 
ments of currents have yet been made but the indications are 
that they do not differ materially from those in section VII, 
being probably more sluggish, if anything, than in that section. 

J regard nearly the whole of this area as admirably adapted for 
oyster culture. With the exception of a few shoals and a few 
areas which are soft, the bottom is firm and well protected, as is 
section VII, from the heavy gales, by the long shoals extending 
to the southward and eastward from the shores. The water is 
of the right specific gravity and nature has already made suc- 
cessful experiments in growing oysters which should be conclu- 
sive. Excepting the Gibbs' Shoal and one or two shoals in 
Wyesocking Bay, the remaining area of 29,900 acres offers no 
natural obstacle to oyster culture. 



46 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

SECTION XL 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Camp Point/' on Hog Island, in Lat. 34° 59' 51".l 
N., and Long. 76° 14' 37".2 W., thence running N. 24° 08' 
E. (true) 12 miles, more or less, to the Royal Shoal Light House, 
in Lat. 35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 30" W., thence run- 
ning N. 82° 53' E. (true) 14J miles, more or less, to a point at 
the intersection of this line X. 82° 53' E. (true) with a line 
drawn through the U. S. C. S. triangulation points "Hog 
Island," in Lat. 35° 21 ' 49".58 X., and Long. 76° 03' 40".44 
W., and "Great Swash," in Lat. 35° 08' 53 / .44 X, and Long. 
75° 52' 24". 79 W., the said point of intersection being the 
corner of Sections VIII, IX and XII, thence running S. 35° 28' 
E. (true) 2-f miles, more or less, along said line from "Hog Island" 
triangulation point to the "Great Swash" triangulation point, to 
the shore, thence following the western shore line of Ocracoke and 
Portsmouth Islands across Ocracoke Inlet to a point where a line 
from the beginning, at "Camp Point," to the U. S. C. S. triangu- 
lation point known as "Wade," in Lat. 34° 58' 58".93 N., and 
Long. 76° 09' 11".2 W., intersects the shore of Core Banks, 
thence from said point of intersection X. 78° 58' W. (true) 5^ 
miles, more or less, to the beginning, containing, more or less, 
76,570 acres. 

This section includes the region about Ocracoke Inlet and* is 
important, not only on account of its size, but because of the 
active oyster fishery now prosecuted within its limits. 

Depth of water i As in the neighborhood of Hatteras Inlet, 
this is very irregular, a large portion of the section being occu- 
pied by shoals. From the southern boundary not more than 3 
to 4 feet will be found for over a mile to the northward, except 
in Wainwright Slue, an indentation in the shoal, which makes an 
excellent anchorage. To the northward and westward of Core 
Beach or "Banks," a similar shoal with from 2 to 4 feet of water 
makes out for over 2J miles. It is bounded on the northward 
by a slue having 7 feet of water, which extends to the north- 



REPORT OX OYSTER CULTURE. 47 

ward and westward from the now closed Whalebone Inlet. Be- 
tween Whalebone Inlet and Portsmouth, 3 and 4 feet of water 
will be found for about 14; miles from the shore; but about the 
middle of Portsmouth Island this depth extends in a long, tongue- 
shaped shoal, J to | of a mile wide, for fully 3 miles. . 

Northwest of Portsmouth and of Ocracoke Inlet the depth 
is very irregular, ranging from 1 to 20 feet. The shoals here 
take up the greater part of the area, the channels and slues 
being narrow and tortuous, though deep. TheRoyal Shoal, 
lying about 6 miles northwest of Portsmouth, is 2| miles 
long, extending in a northeasterly and southwesterly direc- 
tion, and about a mile wide; over it is from 2 to 4 feet. It 
is connected with the great body of shoals lying in the entrance 
to the Inlet by a shoal 24; miles long and 4 mile wide. Over 
this connecting tract the w T ater is from 1 to 5 feet deep. About 
the several marshy islets, Mount Vernon Pock, Shell Castle, 
North Pock, Beacon Island and Casey's Islaud, the depth is 
inconsiderable, ranging from 1 to 3 feet. 

Northwest of Ocracoke Light House the Swash channel makes 
out from Ocracoke Island, and separates the shoals to the south- 
ward from those to the northward of the Inlet. This channel 
is narrow and has but 8 to 12 feet of water in it, and at certain 
points and times considerably less. North of Ocracoke Island 
and from 1 to 1| miles from the shore, is a line of shoals ex- 
tending towards Hatteras Inlet, known as Howard's Reef and 
Clark's Reef. Their average width is about f mile, and the 
depth of water over them is from lto 3 feet. Inside these 
shoals is an area 34; miles long and \ mile wide, in which 
there is from 5 to 10 feet of water. Outside the general line 
of shoals and between them and the boundary lines drawn from 
the Royal Shoal Light House, the average depth is from 7 to 
15 feet, the least water being along the shoals and thence gradu- 
ally deepening towards the western limitsof the section. An in- 
spection of the accompanying maps will give a good idea of the 
depth of water in this region. 

Character of bottom: This is generally sandy, hard on the 
shoals, and slightly less so in the deeper water. In the slues, 



48 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

channels and deep areas, there is more or less mud, which is some- 
times too soft to support oysters. On the tract lying between the 
slue making in towards Whalebone Inlet and the long tongue of 
shoal off the middle of Portsmouth Island, is an area of about 
400 to 500 acres in 13 to 18 feet of water, which has a soft, 
muddy bottom. That lying to the southward of, and partly 
inclosed by the Royal Shoal, containing about 2,500 acres, has a 
bottom composed of mud and sand, the latter predominating as 
the shoal is approached. The deeper the water in this area the 
softer the bottom. In the channel ways between the shoals, 
soft and hard sand and occasional patches of mud are found. 
These bottoms, as also do the shoals,, continually shift under the 
influence of the strong currents and heavy winds. Between 
Howard's Reef and the shore the bottom is sticky, consisting of 
soft sand and mud mixed, and in places separated. Between the 
line of shoals and the western and northern boundaries, the bot- 
tom is generally of sand, areas of mud occasionally being found. 
About and on the shoals, especially on each side of the Inlet, 
grass grows plentifully, and a little sponge was also found. 

Specific gravity : The average for the section is 1.0148, but 
the density varies very much even in the same locality. Near 
the Royal Shoal Light House the range is from 1.0097 to 1.0109, 
and the average 1.0103. In the mouth of the Inlet the range 
is from 1.0146 to 1.0227, and the average 1.0197. To the 
northward and westward of Howard'* Reef the range is from 
1.0100 to 1.0150, with an average of 1.0130. In Wainwright 
Slue and about the southern limits of the section, the range is 
from 1.0093 to 1.0142, and the average 1.0108. In all these 
localities easterly winds increase the density and westerly winds 
decrease it. Rainy weather has a much less effect than would 
be supposed, as is shown by the observations in the latter part of 
August, after the heavy rains of that mouth and the observa- 
tions in September. A N. E. wind has the most effect on the 
density, as the water is then driven in through the Inlet. 

Oyster beds: The beds of this region are probably the most 
important in the State, furnishing as they do the principal sup- 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 49 

ply for the New Berne market. Only one bed is found in the 
southern portion of the section. It lies near Waiuwright slue, 
and comprises an area of about 13 acres. Formerly its oysters 
were of good quality and plentiful ; but they have deteriorated 
and the supply has been exhausted by over fishery. 

Most of the beds are in the neighborhood of Portsmouth, 
lying on the shoals between Beacon Island and North Rock, and 
Portsmouth Island and Mount Vernon Rock. The stock has a 
good reputation, but is being exhausted. A number of small, 
unimportant beds lie between Ocracoke Island and Howard's aud 
Clark's Reef. They have not yet been instrumeutally located. 
On the Royal Shoal, about one-third of a mile southeast from 
the Royal Shoal or Northwest Light House, is a large bed lying 
in from 1 to 3 feet of water, and comprising an area of about 
100 acres. Only a part of this area issolid " rock," however; aud 
though many fine oysters have been obtained from it in the past, 
it has been almost destroyed by excessive fishery. 

The total area of oyster beds in the section is 520 acres. No 
enemies other than the "conchs" or "periwinkles" [Fulur carica 
and sycotypus eanaliculatus) have been noticed or heard of in 
the vicinity, though it is possible that more extended investiga- 
tions will discover both the drills (urosalpinx) and star-fish (aste- 
rias). The majority of the oysters found were rather inferior 
in size, owing, probably, to the overcrowding they experience on 
the natural beds. There are 9 "oyster gardens," aggregating 90 
acres, in the section, all lying about Portsmouth. The currents, 
especially about the Inlet, are strong and regular, being due to 
the ordinary tidal action. About the Royal Shoal the set is, as 
usual in the Sound, with the wind, varying in velocity from ^ to 
J knot per hour. In the neighborhood of the Inlet the set is to 
and from that opening with a velocity depending upon the state 
of the tide and wind, but averaging about one knot per hour. 
In the deep channels it will, on occasions, considerably exceed 
this rate. At the southern extremity of the section the current 
sets in and out of Core Sound at the rate of from | to f knot 
per hour. 

4 



50 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

I consider a large portion of Section XI as suitable ground 
for oyster culture. It will be observed that the bottom gen- 
erally, is hard enough to support the oysters; the currents rapid 
and the specific gravity sufficiently high; and though the last 
varies considerably in certain portions of the section, these 
variations are not so great as to be injurious. To the northward 
of the Inlet and to the eastward of the Royal Shoal there is 
some danger of shifting bottom, and the same difficulty may be 
apprehended on the shoals and in their immediate neighborhood. 
Inside of Howard's Reef should be good ground, and between 
the Royal Shoal and the southern boundary aud west of the 
Banks is a large and excellently situated area. The shoals, where 
the water is less than three feet, should be avoided and are 
deemed unsuitable on account of the extremes of heat and cold 
to which the oyster would be subjected, and the liability of the 
bottom to shift. It is true that the oyster beds lie on these 
shoals, but the beds are now composed of a solid mass of shells, 
the accumulation of ages, and the oysters are crowded on the 
area much more closely than they would be on any artificial 
ground. The saud has therefore but little chance to move. 

Excluding the sand shoals and the channels in the immediate 
vicinity of the Inlet, the area of suitable bottom in the section 
is 59,100 acres. 

SECTION XII. 

Description: Begins at the Royal Shoal Light House, in Lat. 
35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 30" W., thence running N. 0° 
52' E. (true) 8-f miles, more or less, with a line drawn from the 
said Royal Shoal Light House to the U. S. C. S. triangulatiou 
point known as "Bluff Point," in Lat. 35° 19' 30".47 N. f and 
Long. 76° 09' 26".97 W., to the corner of Sections XIII, XV 
and XVI, thence running N. 64° 47' E. (true) 7|- miles, more 
or less, to a point at the intersection of said line N. 64° 47' E. 
(true) with a line drawn from the U.S. C. S. triangulatiou point 
known as "Hog Island," in Lat. 35° 21' 49".58 N., and Long. 
76° 03' 40".4 W., to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 51 

as "Great Swash/' in Lat. 35° 08' 53".44 N., and Long. 75° 
52' 24". 79 W., the said point of intersection being the cornier 
of Sections X, IX and'XIIl, thence running S. 35° 28' E. (true) 
12| miles, more or less, along said line from " Hog Island" to 
"Great Swash," to a point at the intersection of said line with a 
line drawn from aforesaid Royal Shoal Light House, N. 82° 53' 
E. (true), thence running along said line S. 82° 53' W. (true) 
14| miles, more or less, to the beginning, containing, more or 
less, 67,738 acres. 

This section is somewhat similar to Sections VI and IX, lying 
as they do, in the middle of the Sound and comprising a large 
area. It differs from those sections in having shoaler water and 
a larger area which is suitable for cultivation. 

Depth of water: Generally the water is deep — ranging from 
14 to 22 feet and being over the greater part of the sectiou 
more than 18 feet. Along the northern boundary the depth 
decreases to 8 and 12 feet, and in the southwestern corner, where 
lies a small portion of the Royal Shoal, from 4 to 10 feet will 
be found. Through the middle of the section, from the north- 
ern to the southern boundary, where it connects with the Royal 
Shoal, is the Bluff Shoal. It is 8 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 
has from 7 to 11 feet of water over it, the 7 foot patches Jying 
in the northern central portion of the section. 

Character of bottom: Generally this is of fine, gray sand. 
Occasionally the sand is mixed with broken shells, or soft, blue 
mud ; and at several points all these constituents are found together. 
Along the eastern boundary, on a tract 5 miles long and 2| miles 
wide, and along the western boundary on a tract 4h miles long 
and 1 mile wide, soft, muddy bottom is found in from 20 to 22 
feet of water. 

Specific gravity: The average for the section is 1.0117. The 
maximum density observed was 1.0155; the minimum, 1.0091. 
Apparently the water to the eastward of the Bluff Shoal is of a 
considerably higher specific gravity than that to the westward. 
Additional observations are necessary, however, to determine this 
positively. 



52 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

There are no oyster beds of any kind, nor any predatory 
shell-fish in the section. The currents are sluggish, and due 
principally to the action of the wind. During a strong gale from, 
the northeast the current for several days was from \ to f knot 
per hour, setting to the southwest. Probably this is the maxi- 
mum velocity. During calm weather little or no current will 
be experienced, as the line of the Bluff Shoal is about the place 
of meeting of the flow from Albemarle and the northern por- 
tions of Pamplico Sound and that from the Pamplico River. 
Probably it is this meeting of currents with their suspended sed- 
iment that has formed and maintains the Bluff Shoal ; and, indeed, 
the marked difference in the specific gravity on the two sides of 
that shoal appears to indicate that the water fested was of differ- 
ent origin. 

With the exception of the two soft bottom areas along the 
eastern and western boundaries, amounting to 10,600 acres and 
already described, I consider the whole of Section XII as suita- 
ble ground, though it is possible that the bottom shifts on the 
Bluff Shoal. The probability of its doing so is not, however, 
sufficiently great to exclude the shoal from experiment ; and one 
will be made in the future, should circumstances permit. The 
area adapted for oyster culture is, then, 57,000 acres. 

SECTION XIII. 

Description: Begins at a point at the intersection of the shore 
of the mainland with a line drawn from the U. S. C S. triangu- 
lation point known as "Bluff Point/' in Lat. 35° 19'30".47 N., 
and Long. 76° 09' 26".97 W. to the Royal Shoal Light House, 
in Lat. 35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 30" W., thence run- 
ning to the eastward along the shore of the mainland to the inter- 
section of the shore line with a line drawn through the triangu- 
lation points known as "Great Swash" and "Hog Island," thence 
to the said U.'S. C. S. triangulation point known as " Hog Island," 
in Lat, 35° 21' 49".58 N., and Long. 76° 03' 40".44 W., thence 
running S. 35° 28' E. (true) 3^ miles, more or less, along the line 
drawn from the said "Hog Island" triangulation point to the U» 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 53 

S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Great Swash/' in Lat. 35° 
08' 53".44 N., and Long. 75° 52' 24 // .79 W., to the corner of 
Sections IX, X and XII, thence running S. 64° 47' W. (true) 7| 
miles, more or less, to a point at the intersection of this line S. 
64° 47' W. (true) with a line drawn from Royal Shoal Light 
House, in Lat. 35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 30" W., N. 
0° 52' E. (true), to the aforesaid "Bluff Point" triangulation 
point, the said poiut of intersection being the corner of Sections 
XII, XV and XVI, thence running along said line N. 0° 52' E. 
(true) 3+/ miles, mote or less, to the beginning, containing, more 
or less, 15,746 acres. 

This section, though small, is important for the same reason 
stated with regard to Section X ; it can be so readily utilized, and 
is so favorably located. 

Depth of ivater: This is very uniform, ranging from 8 to 10 
feet. 

Character of bottom: This also is generally uniform, consist- 
ing of sand and mud, which is hard or sufficiently so to support 
the oysters. A few isolated areas have a soft or sticky bottom, 
of mud or mud and sand mixed. One of these, the largest, is 
in East Bluff Bay, a locality of 1,200 acres, much of which is 
soft. Another soft area of several hundred acres lies near the 
southeastern corner of the section. 

Specific gravity : Only a few observations have as yet been 
made, but they indicate an average density of about 1.0110, 
which probably decreases in the bays and creeks. 

Oyster beds: There are a few small beds and scattered groups 
of oysters about Bluff Point and in East Bluff Bay. Other small 
beds lie about one mile to the eastward of Middle Point, and 
others again about Hog Island. As the section has not yet been 
subjected to more than a superficial examination, the positions 
and areas ^determined for these beds are only of approximate 
accuracy. A rather rough calculation gives 230 acres as the 
aggregate, which includes a tract lying near the southwest corner 
of the section, If miles from Bluff Point, on which the oysters 
are scattered, and not in a solid "rock." No "oyster gardens" 



54 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

have been taken up in the section. In advance of the detailed 
survey and examination, it is impossible to speak positively with 
regard to the quality of the oysters, the presence of enemies, or 
the strength and direction of the currents. There is no reason 
to anticipate any particular variation, however, from what has 
been noticed in similar localities, and probably the oysters will 
be found to be small and impoverished from crowding, enemies 
will be absent, and the currents will be sluggish and setting with 
the wind, with a velocity proportional to its force. 

While* subsequent investigation may modify my opinion, I 
see no reason to expect it to do so, but consider it more likely to 
confirm my present belief, that the whole of this section, com- 
prising 15,700 acres, is suitable for oyster culture. If the soft 
bottom, 700 acres, is excluded, there still remains 15,000 acres, of 
which only some 230 are now productive or occupied. 

SECTION XIV. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Cedar Island," in Lat. 35° 01/ 56".83 N., and 
Long. 76° 21' 01".13 W., thence running N. 24° 14' E. (true) 
7|- miles, more or less, to Brant Island Shoal Light House, in 
Lat. 35° 08' 10" N., and Long. 76° 17' 37" W., thence run- 
ning N. 80° 12' E. (true) 7| miles, more or less, to the Royal 
Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 09' 19" JX 1 ., aud Long. 76° 
09' 30" W., thence running S. 24° 08' W. (true) 12 miles, 
more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
"Gamp Point," in Lat. 34° 59' 51 ".14 N., and Long. 76° 14' 
37". 2 W., thence running along the northern shores of Hog and 
Cedar Islands to the beginning, containing, more or less, 39,988 
acres. 

This section is not a particularly important one, owing to the 
character of a large portion of its bottom. 

Depth of water: This is uniform, and generally from 18 to 20 
feet. The approaches to the Brant Island, and Royal Shoals 
and to Hog and Cedar Islands are bold, 15 feet being found 
within a quarter of a mile of shores and light houses. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 55 

Character of bottom: On all the central portions of the sec- 
tion soft, blue mud is the principal characteristic. Along the 
western and southern boundaries, in the southwestern portion of 
the section, and for 1 to 1J miles off Hog and Cedar Islands, the 
bottom is of hard sand. The same characteristic predominates 
along the eastern boundary and for a considerable distance (2 J 
to 3 miles) to the southward and westward of the Royal Shoal 
Light House. A tract of hard sand, about 2 miles long and 1 
mile wide, extends to the southward and eastward from Brant 
Island Light House* and occupies the northwest corner of the 
section. 

Specific gravity : This is rather low, but uniform, the aver- 
age density being 1.0093; the maximum 1.0111, and the mini- 
mum 1.0080. The density increases as the Royal Shoal is ap- 
proached. 

There are no oysters or oyster beds in this section. 

The current usually sets to the eastward, in the direction of 
Ocracoke Inlet and the entrance to Core Sound, with a velocity 
of from \ to J knot per hour. The prevailing wind will, how- 
ever, greatly influence both the direction and velocity. The 
cause of the set to the eastward is, doubtless, the flow from the 
Neuse River. 

I regard that portion of this section lying in the center, and 
having a soft, muddy bottom, as unsuitable. The remaining 
area, comprising 17,000 acres, can be utilized and will produce a 
marketable oyster, though of rather inferior flavor, due to the 
low specific gravity of the water. 

Attention is called to the remarks on Section XVII, and the 
inferences drawn from an experiment made in that locality. They 
are equally applicable to this area. 

SECTION xv. 

Description: Begins at Brant Island Shoal Light House, in 
Lat. 35° 08' 10" N., aud Long. 76° 17' 37" W., thence 
running N. 6° 56' E. (true) 12^ miles, more or less, to the U. 
S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Swan Quarter," in Lat. 



56 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

35° 18' 29".67 K, and Long. 76° 16' 05".23 W., thence run- 
ning S. 73° 51' E. (true) 6^ miles, more or less, with a line 
drawn from the U. S. C. S. triaugulation point known as "Ju- 
dith," in Lat. 35° 21' 03".21 X., and Long. 76° 24' 48".19 W., 
through the aforesaid "Swan Quarter" triaugulation point, to a 
point at the intersection of said line with a line drawn from the 
U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Bluff Point," in Lat. 
35° 19' 30".47 N., and Long. 76° 09' 26 // .97 W., to the Royal 
Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 09' 19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 
30" W., the said point of intesrection being the corner of Sec- 
tions XII, XIII and XVI, thence along said line from "Bluff 
Point" triangulation point S. 0° S. 52' W. 8f miles, more or less, 
to said Royal Shoal Light House, thence S. 80° 12' W. (true) 7£ 
miles, more or less, to the beginning, containing, more or less, 
45,413 acres. 

This section lies in the middle of the Sound, between the 
Brant Island, Bluff and Royal Shoals, and directly in the line 
of the outflow from the Pamplico and Neuse Rivers. But for 
the low density of the water it would be a very important area. 
As it is, much of its ground is adapted to oyster culture. 

Depth of water: Over the southern half the section, this is 
usually about 20 feet, but over the northern half the bottom is 
more irregular in contour, and the depth ranges from 5 and 6 to 
20, with an average of about 16 feet. In the western central 
portion is a shoal extending 2J miles to the western boundary and 
J mile wide, known as the*" Middle Ground" or "Lower Mid- 
dle;" it has but 5 to 11 feet over it and is surrounded by depths 
of 14 and 15 feet, which extend to the northward and southward 
of the shoal about a mile, and to the southward and eastward 
nearly 3 miles. Along the entire northern boundary, with 
the exception of a 15 foot slue, a mile wide in the middle, is a 
tract of a little over a mile in width, with from 8 to 11 feet over 
it ; and in the extreme northwest corner is a portion of the 4 foot 
shoal making out to the southward and eastward of Great Island. 

Character of bottom: In the deep water area, in the southern 
half of the section, the bottom is of soft mud with occasional 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 57 

patches of hard sand or sand and mud mixed together. In the 
extreme southwest and southeast corners, near the Brant island 
and Royal Shoals, the- bottom is harder and of sand. On the 
"Middle Ground" and the 14 foot area, in its vicinity, already 
described, the bottom is hard, of sand and tenacious mud. Be- 
tween this comparatively shoal area and the 8 to 11 font tract 
lying along the northern boundary, is a deep slue or channel 
extending to within a mile of the western boundary, and over If 
miles wide, in which the bottom is of soft mud. The tract along 
the northern boundary is of hard sand. 

Specific gravity: This is uniform, but low. The average is 
1.0095, the maximum 1.0100 and the minimum 1.0090. These 
figures show how important is the influence of the Pamplico and 
Neuse Rivers, as only 7 miles to the eastward, on the opposite 
side of the Bluff Shoal, the density on the same day was .005 
greater. No oysters exist in the section. 

The current is usually to the southward and eastward, in the 
direction of Ocracoke Inlet. The velocity and also the direction 
are considerably influenced by the winds, as in the other sections, 
but the set will seldom exceed \ knot per hour. 

It is possible to raise oysters on those portions of this section 
having the hard bottom. In the deep water and on soft bottoms, 
the ground is unsuitable. The low specific gravity of the water 
will prevent the stock, in all probability, from obtaining high or 
fancy prices, but a marketable oyster could be raised on the tracts 
indicated on the map. The area considered suitable is 13,390 
acres, and comprises principally the Middle Ground Shoal and 
the adjacent hard bottoms, and the tract in the northern and 
northwestern part of the section. 

.SECTION XVI. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulatiou point 
known as "Bluff Point/' in Lat. 35° 19' 30".47 N. 5 and Long. 
76° 09' 26".97 W., thence running S. 0° 52' W. (true) 3£ miles, 
more or less, with a line drawn from said "Bluff Point" trian- 
gulation point to the Royal Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 09' 



58 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

19" N., and Long. 76° 09' 30" W., to the intersection of 
said line with a line drawn through the U. S. C. S. triangula- 
tion point known as "Swan Quarter/' in Lat. 35° 18' 29".67 
N., and Long. 76° 16' 05".23 W., and "Judith," in Lat. 35° 
21 ; 03".21 N., and Long. 76° 24' 48",19 W., the said point of 
intersection being the corner of sections XII, XIII and XV, 
thence running along said line from "Judith" through "Swan 
Quarter" triangulation point, N. 73° 51' W. (true) 15J miles, more 
or less, to said "Judith" triangulation point, thence running N. 
65° 44' W. (true) 5| miles, more or less, with a line drawn to 
the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as " Willow Point," 
in Lat. 35° 22' 51".6 K, and Long. 76° 29' 41".03 W., to the 
intersection of said line with the shore of the mainland, thence 
running with the shore line of mainland to the beginning, con- 
taining, more or less, 38,315 acres. 

This section is an important one, embracing a number of large 
bays and estuaries in Hyde county, in which oysters are more 
or less thickly distributed, and being well sheltered from the 
effect of gales. Unfortunately, such observations as have been 
made show a rather low specific gravity of the water ; otherwise, 
this would be, probably, the most advantageous ground in the 
Sound. Lack of time has prevented more than a superficial 
examination of part of this area, and the determinations are there- 
fore but approximate. The section is composed of so many 
different estuaries that for convenience and a clear understand- 
ing, each will be described separately. 

West Bluff Bay is in the northeast corner of the section and 
comprises 1,126 acres. The depth of water is from 7 to 10 feet; 
a 2 foot shoal 1J miles long and |- mile broad lies off the point 
at the western entrance to the bay. The bottom is generally 
hard, of sand, with occasionally some little mud. The specific 
gravity has not yet been determined, but probably is 1.0080 or 
less. There is a small bay, comprising 260 acres lying, west of 
West Bluff Bay, which has similar characteristics, except that 
the depth of water is less, being from 3 to 6 feet. Small oyster 
beds lie along the shores of both bays. 



REPOIIT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 59 

Juniper Bay, and its tributaries, comprising an era of 1,710 
acres, extends about 4 miles from a line drawn from Juniper Bay 
Point to the south point of the marsh opposite Swan Quarter 
Narrows. The depth of water is from 3 to 10 i'e^t, and averages 
about 6 feet. The bottom is of hard sand along the shores for 
about one-third the width, and of soft mud in the middle third, 
in the channel. The specific gravity is 1.0079. The current 
sets out of the bay and under the influence of a strong north- 
easterly wind was J knot per hour. An oyster bed of consider- 
able size lies on a 5 foot shoal off Juniper Bay Point and small 
beds and scattered groups are found along the northern and 
eastern shores further up the bay. 

Swan Quarter Narrows is a strait about one mile long and 
a mile wide, which separates Great Island from the marsh to the 
northward. The depth of water is from 4 to 10 feet, the bot- 
tom hard, of sand, along the shores, and softer, of sand and some 
mud, in the deep water ; and the specific gravity 1.0080. Oyster 
beds of considerable size are found off the northwest point of 
Great Island and about Bird Island, just to the westward of 
that point; and small beds and scattered oysters exist all along 
the northern side of the strait as far as Caffee Bay. 

Caffee Bay is an arm of Swan Quarter Bay, making into the 
eastern shore of that body of water. It comprises 579 acres, 
with a depth of from 4 to 8 and 10 feet, and sandy bottom, 
except in the middle, where it is soft, of sand and mud. Small 
beds and scattered groups of oysters are found close in along the 
shores. 

Swan Quarter Bay, with its tributaries, exclusive of Caffee 
Bay, comprises 4,076 acres. The depth is from 4 to 10 feet, the 
shoal water lying along the shores. The bottom is of soft or 
sticky mud in the middle of the bay, but is hard, of sand or mud 
or both, within J to J mile of the marshes. The specific grav- 
ity is 1.0103. Small beds and scattered groups of oysters are 
found along the eastern shores, from the northern entrance point 
of Caffee Bay to abreast Beacon B., opposite Swau Quarter. A 
few oysters are also found at the head of the Bay. 



60 EEPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Deep Cove lies between Swan Quarter Island and Judith Island, 
and comprises an area of 1,325 acres. The depth of water is 
from 5 to 10 feet, and the bottom, except along the shores, is soft, 
consisting of mud, with small areas of sand and mud inter- 
spersed. No oysters are reported in this Cove, which appears to 
be admirably suited for them. Density observations have not 
yet been made. Deep Cove is connected by a narrow strait, 
known as Judith Narrows, lying between the island on which 
the "Judith" triangulation point is situated and Judith Island, 
with a bay of about the same area and characteristics, except the 
depth of water and extent of soft bottom, which is less. A num- 
ber of oyster beds of considerable size lie in this bay, in the 
deep water and along the shores. 

Deep Bay lies to the northward of Judith Island, and between 
it and Judith Marsh. It is an arm of Rose Bay, and comprises 
3,591 acres. The depth of water is from 8 to 10 feet, except 
close to the shores, where it is from 3 to 5 feet. One large shoal, 
with about 2 feet of water over it, lies in the middle of the bay. 
The bottom is generally soft, except along the shores and on the 
shoal, where it is of hard sand and mud. No observations of 
the specific gravity have yet been made. Large areas, on which 
the oysters exist in groups and scattered singly, are found in the 
deep water of the bay, especially near its head, but they have 
not yet been definitely located. 

Bell's Bay is also an arm of Rose Bay, but is on the western 
and opposite side from Deep Bay. It comprises an area of 1,814 
acres, has an average depth of water of 10 feet, except within 
^ to ^ mile of the shore, where the water shoals to 3 and 4 feet, 
and a soft bottom, except on the shoals, where it is hard. The 
specific gravity has not been determined. Small beds and scat- 
tered groups of oysters are found along the eastern shores. 

Germantown Bay, an arm of Bell's Bay, is small, comprising 
but 166 acres, is generally shoal and has a soft bottom. A few 
small beds of scattered oysters are found in it. 

Rose Bay, of which the bays just described are tributaries, 
is a large and important area of 4,415 acres. The depth of w T ater 





REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 61 

ranges from 7 to 18 feet, but is generally about 10 feet. The bot- 
tom on the greater part of the bay is soft, except within J mile of 
the shores, where it becomes sandy and hard. Off' the northwest 
point of Judith Island, Swan Point and Fooley's Point, sand 
shoals, having from 2 to 4 feet of water over them, make out. 
No observations of the density of the water or strength of the 
currents have yet been obtained. Small beds and groups of 
oysters extend along the shores on both sides of the bay to above 
Watch Point, at its head. 

The remainder of the section lying outside the areas just 
described is rather shoal, and the contour of the bottom irregu- 
lai> Between Swan Quarter Island and Great Island the depth 
is from 7 to 10 feet; but a 14 foot slue, ^ mile wide, forming the 
channel into Swan Quarter Bay, passes through the middle of 
this tract. Except in this slue the bottom is hard, of sand with 
some little mud. The specific gravity is 1.0103 and the current 
^ to | knot per hour, setting to the southward. Scattered oysters 
are reported to exist about the center of this tract and just to 
the eastward of the slue. 

Between Great Island and the eastern boundary of the section 
is a large area ranging from 8 to 13 feet in depth. In the mid- 
dle the bottom is soft, except directly in the center, where there 
is a large tract of about 1,000 acres, on which a hard, sandy bot- 
tom is found. Within 1^ miles of the various shores the bot- 
tom is also hard. Extending 1^ miles southeast from Great 
Island is a sand shoal (noted in Section XV) with about 2 feet 
of water on it. The specific gravity of the water on this area 
is from 1.0080 to 1.0090. The current sets to the southward 
and eastward at the rate of about J knot per hour.. There are 
no oysters reported in the immediate vicinity. 

When the detailed examination of this section is made and 
additional information regarding the currents, bottoms, oysters, 
and especially the density of the water, is obtained, the opinions 
now held as to the adaptability of the ground for oyster culture, 
may be modified. At present that opinion is favorable. Much of 
the bottom is soft, but the several tracts are small, and it is within 



% 

62 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

the limits of possibility to harden them. As far as the observa- 
tions of the specific gravity of the water go, they are not par- 
ticularly encouraging to the hope of raising a high grade of 
oyster. But the fact that the animals are now living even in 
the head waters of the various hays and tributaries, proves that 
the water is rarely, if ever, fresh enough to destroy them. 
Taking all things into consideration, I conclude that the whole 
of this section, of 38,315 acres, is suitable ground. Of this 
area the oyster beds occupy about 1,600 acres. 

SECTION XVII. 

Description. — Begins at the U. S. C. S. trianguiation point 
known as " Brant Island/' thence runs S. 58° 55' E. (true) 10 
miles, more or less, to Brant Island Shoal Light House, in Lat. 
35° 08' 10" N., and Long. 76° 17' 37" W., thence running 
S. 24° 14' W. (true) 7| miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. 
triangulation point known as "Cedar Island," in Lat 35° 01' 
56".83 N., and Long. 76° 21' 01".13 W., thence running N. 
45° 01' W. (true) 5f miles, more or less, to a point on the one 
fathom line of the shoal to the Northward of Swan Islands, thence 
running N. 89° 10' W. (true) 2J miles, more or less, to a point at 
the intersection of this line N. 89° 10' W. (true) with a line 
drawn N. 9° 40' E. (true) to the aforesaid U. S. C. S. triangu- 
lation point on Brant Island, the said point of intersection being 
the corner of Sections XIX and XXI, thence running with said 
line N. 9° 40' E. (true) 7| miles, more or less, to the beginning, 
containing, more or less, 38,888 acres. 

This section lies between the Brant Island Shoal and Cedar 
Island Bay. 

Depth of water: This ranges from 12 to 22 feet, the deeper 
water being found to the northward of the middle of the section, 
and thence shoaling gradually towards Cedar Island Bay and 
the Swan Islands, and more abruptly to the northward towards 
Brant Island Shoals. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 63 

Character of bottom: In the deep water the bottom is of soft 
mud. There is a tract about a mile broad at Brant Island, nar- 
rowing- to \ mile at Brant Island Light House and extending 
along the entire northern boundary, in which the bottom is hard, 
consisting of sand, with some mud where it borders on the deep 
water. A similar tract, 2£ miles wide, lies along the southern 
boundary, so that the soft bottom is confined to the deep water 
area from 1^ to 3 miles wide, extending through the northern 
central portion of the section. 

Specific gravity : This is low, but uniform, varying only from 
1.0080 to 1.0098. The average for the section is 1.0088. The 
current, which is merely the flow of the Neuse, accelerated or 
retarded by the action of the wind, sets to the southward and 
eastward. The velocity does not, under ordinary circumstances, 
much exceed \ knot per hour. Additional observations on this 
point will be made as soon as circumstances permit. 

Under my direction, two and a half years ago, fifteen bushels 
of oysters aud one hundred and fifty bushels of clean shells were 
deposited in this section, at a point lying about one-third the 
way from the entrance to Cedar Island Bay to Brant Island 
Light House. The depth of water was about 18 feet, and the 
bottom sandy. Generally the characteristics and conditions were 
those peculiar to the whole hard bottom tract, lying along the 
southern boundaries of Sections XIV and XVII. 

The plant was made, purposely, in an unfavorable position for 
the survival of the oysters. They were exposed to the full force 
of the freshets of the Neuse and the effect of the northeast gales. 
There was, iu my opinion, every chance that they would perish, 
either by the action of fresh water, or by being smothered by 
sand stirred up by the gales. During the latter part of Novem- 
ber, of this year, a search was made for this plant, and after 
considerable trouble, it was found. The experiment had been 
highly successful ; the old shells were covered with good size 
oysters of over three inches in length. On one shell nine oysters 
were counted, and the average number to a shell was over five. 
These oysters were fat aud in good condition, but somewhat too 



64 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

fresh in flavor to command very high prices, if offered for sale. 
The implements at hand for taking oysters in such deep water 
were too rude to permit the obtainment of a large number ; but 
our observations were sufficiently exact to justify the supposi- 
tion that only a small number of the shells had been "sanded" 
— that is, covered by sand. 

Considering that this plant was made where the conditions 
were all unfavorable, and where no oysters were to be found 
within several miles, it is assuming no more than the facts justify 
to say that what has been done in this place can be done else- 
where under similar circumstances in the Sound. In my own 
mind there never has been any doubt that a large portion of 
Pamplico Sound could be made to grow oysters, and the success 
of this experiment will, I hope, tend to convince others that this 
desirable result is within the limits of possibility. 

With the exception of the artificial bed just described and a 
few groups about Brant Island, there are no oysters in the sec- 
tion. I am of the opinion that oysters can be cultivated suc- 
cessfully on the hard bottom tracts along the northern and south- 
ern boundaries of the section, but not in the middle, where the 
bottom is soft. Indeed, it is not a matter of opinion merely in 
this case, for the experiment has been made and has proved suc- 
cessful. The area of these two hard bottom tracts is 23,200 
acres. 

SECTION XVIII. 

Description : Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known 
as "Judith," in Lat. 35° 21' 03".21 N., and Long. 76° 24' 
48". 19 W., thence running S. 73° 51/ E. (true) 8| miles, more 
or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as "Swan 
Quarter," in Lat, 35° 18' 29".67 N., and Long. 76° 16' 05".23 
W., thence running S. 6° 56' W., (true) 12^ miles, more or less, 
to Brant Island Shoal Light House, in Lat. 35° 08' 10" N., 
and Long. 76° 17' 37" W., thence running N. 58° 55' W. 
(true) 10 miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point, known as "Brant Island," Long. 76° 26' 37". 6 W., 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 65 

thence running N. 9° 19' E. (true) 9| miles, more or less, to 
beginning, containing, more or less, G5,164 acres. 

While this section isa very large one, it is of only possible 
importance, as it is exposed to the freshets from the Pamplico 
River. The section lies between the Brant Island Shoal, which 
forms the northern boundary of Section XVII, and the line of 
marshes on the southern shores of Hyde county. 

Depth of water: The northern third of the section is compar- 
atively shoal, the depth varying from 8 feet close to the marshes 
to 15 feet near the channel into the Pamplico River. The greater 
part of the remainder of the section is in deep water, of from 18 
to 20 feet. Along the Brant Island Shoal, or the southern 
boundary, is a tract of from 1 to 2 miles wide on which the 
water is from 8 to 16 feet, the last depth being found close to 
the shoal. The 14 foot slue described under Section XVI as 
being the channel into Swan Quarter Bay occupies a consider- 
able portion of the northeast corner of this section, and the Mid- 
dle Ground Shoal, described under Section XV, also extends 
into Section XVIII for about 2 miles. It is one mile wide, has 
from 6 to 11 feet of water over it and lies in the extreme eastern 
part of the section. 

Character of bottom: On the shoal tract lying along the south- 
ern boundary, as far out as the 16 foot curve, the bottom is hard, 
consisting of sand and occasionally sticky mud. The same 
characteristics prevail on the shoal tract, occupying the upper or 
northern third of the section. The slue forming the Swan 
Quarter Channel and several comparatively small areas in this 
region have soft, muddy bottoms; but generally it is hard, of 
sand or sand and mud, with frequently grass growing over it. 
The middle of the section, the channel way into the Pamplico 
River, is of soft mud. 

Specific gravity: Only a few observations have been made, 
nor are many necessary, as there is nothing in the section itself 
to produce variations. The freshets in the Pamplico River 
probably have more effect than anything else, and an effort will 
be made in the spring to determine the extent of this influence. 
5 



66 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

From such observations as have been obtained the average den- 
sity for the section is 1.0087. 

Oyster beds: Several small beds lie about Brant Island and a 
few large ones along the marshes in the extreme northwest corner, 
near the triangulation point "Judith." A small bed is reported 
to be off Shell Point, on Swan Quarter Island, and other small 
beds lie close to the southern shore of Great Island. These beds 
have only been approximately located as yet and the areas and 
positions are therefore not exact. So far as known, they com- 
prise an area of about 40 acres. The currents have not yet been 
determined. 

From such information as is at hand, I am (?;f the opinion that 
those bottoms which are hard are suitable for oyster culture and 
that the soft area, especially in the channel into the Pamplico 
Hiver, is unsuitable. The area, of hard bottom is 43,800 acres, 
upon which a fair marketable oyster could probably be grown. 
It is possible, however, that the water of this region is, at times, 
very fresh. Whether it ever becomes so much so as to be destruc- 
tive remains to be proved ; but considering the results of the 
experiment in Section XVII, and the fact that oysters live much 
higher up the river, I think it improbable that very much dam- 
age is often inflicted. 

SECTION XIX. 

Description: Begins at Pamplico Point Light House, in Lat. 
35° 18' 50".6 N., and Long. 76° 29/ 03".55 W., thence running 
N. 57° 39' E. (true) 4f miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. 
triangulation point known as "Judith/' in Lat. 35° 21' 03".21 
N., and Long. 76° 24' 48".19 W., thence running S. 9° 19' 
~W\ (true) 9| miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point known as "Brant Island," in Lat. 35° 12' 35" X, and 
Long. 76° 26' 37" W., thence running S. 9° 40' W. (true) 
7f miles, more or less, to a point on the one fathom line of 
shoal to the north of Point of Marsh, the said point being the cor- 
ner of Sections XVII and XXI, thence running X. 46° 00' 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 67 

W. (true) 5| miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangula- 
tion point known as "Maw Point," in Lat. 35° 09' 06".98 N., 
and Long. 76° 32' 12".93 W., thence running along shore line 
of maiulaud to the beginning, containing, more or less, 50,639 
acres. 

This section lies along the eastern shore of Pamplico county 
and as it is made up principally of numerous bays, creeks and 
rivers, each will be described separately. Only a general and 
superficial examination of the region has, as yet, been made, and 
consequently the description can be but general in character and 
the various statements are subject to modification. 

~Bay River is a stream of considerable size, being about 11 
miles long and from 1 to 2 miles wide ana comprising with its 
tributaries, not especially mentioned, 8,690 acres. The depth of 
water is from 7 and 8 feet at the head, to 20 feet at the mouth, 
and water of from 13 to 20 feet will be found in the channel 
as far up as Windmill Point. Above that locality, the depth 
is from 7 to 10 feet. On both sides of the channel, along the 
shores, are tracts of shoal water about £ to J mile broad, with 
a depth over them of from 1 to 3 feet. The bottom is generally 
soft or sticky, consisting of mud but on the shoals it is hard, 
Large shoals exteud to the northward of Maw Point, and to the 
southward and eastward of Bay Point, the southern and north- 
ern entrances to the river. These shoals have from 2 to 5 feet 
of water over them with a hard, sandy bottom. The currents 
and specific gravity of the water have not yet been determined 
for this locality. 

Bonner's Bay and Spring Creek, comprising 1,109 acres, are 
tributaries of Bay River. The depth is from 3 to 10 feet, except 
in the middle of Bonner's Bay where it increases to 15 feet. 
The bottom is soft, except on the shoals. 

Vandemere's Greek is a narrow stream about 2 miles long, 
emptying into Bay River near Windmill Point. Including 
the bay at its mouth, it comprises an area of 1,168 acres. The 
depth is from 7 to 10 feet, and the bottom soft, 



68 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

The oysters lie in small beds and groups along both shores of 
the Bay River for about 5 miles, or to just above Spencer's Creek. 
A few are also found off Petty's Point and on the south shore, 
opposite Vandemere's Creek. In Bonner's Bay are also several 
beds, lying to the eastward of the deep water. There are no 
oysters of any consequence in any of the other tributaries. 

Bay River appears to be suitable for oyster culture, though 
the water is perhaps too fresh to produce stock of a high grade. 
It is also possible that subsequent observations will show the 
impracticability of doing anything with the soft bottoms in deep 
water and the ground of this character is only provisionally 
included in the available area. 

Jones Bay, lying jest to the northward of Bay River, is 4J 
miles long, 1 J miles wide at its mouth and comprises 2,884 acres. 
A narrow channel, 12 to 15 feet deep,, runs up the middle of the 
bay, on each side of which the water shoals gradually to the 
shores. Large shoals of several hundred acres area lie off the 
entrance points, especially the one to the northward near the 
Old Sow Island where the shallow water extends nearly 1|- 
miles to the southward and eastward. These shoals have from 3 
to 5 feet of water, over hard bottom. In the bay the bottom is. 
soft in the channel, hardening as the shores are approached. 
Neither density nor current observations have yet been made. The 
oysters lie along the northeastern shore to about J mile above 
Drum Creek, and on the southwestern shore from Maiden's 
Point up. The beds are all small and the oysters scattered. 
About Bay Point, the Fisherman's Islands and on the shoals 
already described as making out from Bay Point, several large, 
solid beds and many small groups of oysters exist, and on the shoal 
making out from "The Old Sow" and about that island numer- 
ous groups of oysters and solid beds are found. One especially 
large bed lies about the end of the shoal. It is probable that the 
whole of Jones Bay can be made productive, though it is possi- 
ble that the difficulty of doing so, on the soft bottoms, will pre- 
vent their being utilized. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 69 

Middle Bay is a small estuary, lying next to the north- 
ward of Jones Bay. It comprises an area of 1,543 acres, and 
has a depth of 9 and 10 feet in the middle, which decreases to 
about 4 feet along the shores. The bottom is soft in the channel 
and hard iuside the 6 foot curve. North of Middle Bay is a 
small cove called Big Porpoise Bay, comprising 785 acres. The 
bottom is generally hard and the depth from 3 to 8 feet. Be- 
tween Porpoise Point, which is at the northern entrance to Big 
Porpoise Bay and Brant Island, the bottom is of hard sand and 
the water shoal, the depth ranging from 2 to 4 feet. A 15 foot 
slue, about i mile wide, extends N. N. W. from the Neuse River 
towards Middle Bay and forms the channel into that body of 
water. In this slue the bottom is soft. 

Oyster beds lie on each side of the deep water in Middle Bay 
and, more or less, over Big Porpoise Bay. A line of beds and 
scattered oysters runs from the point of marsh between Middle 
and Big Porpoise Bays to Brant Island, and small beds are also 
found about that marsh, on every side. All the ground in Mid- 
dle and Big Porpoise Bays, and over the shoals, is probably suit- 
able ground for oyster culture. 

Between Brant Island and the southern boundary of the sec- 
tion the water is from 15 to 25 feet deep and the area generally 
of soft bottom, though a considerable stretch of hard sand is 
found 3 miles to the northward and eastward of Maw Point and 
in the neighborhood of the shoal off the Old Sow. The density 
in this neighborhood is 1.0074. The currents have not yet been 
measured, but are of comparatively good velocity. 

Little Porpoise Bay is a small cove of 149 acres lying imme- 
diately north of Porpoise Point. The depth of water is from 
2 to 5 feet, and the bottom hard. A small oyster bed lies at the 
entrance to the bay. 

Mouse. Harbor is a bay lying immediately north of Little 
Porpoise Bay and south of Pamplico Light House. It com- 
prises 1,490 acres, has a depth of from 4 to 8 feet, the deep water 
being found in the middle and the shoal water from ^ to \ mile 
from the marsh. Oysters in groups and small beds are scat- 



70 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

tered along the southern and western shores. This area appears 
well adapted to oyster culture, though subsequent investigation 
may prove the water to be too fresh. 

The remainder of this section lies in a triangle formed by 
Pamplico Light House, "Judith," and Brant Island. A tract 
from 1% to If miles wide, lying along the line from Pamplico 
Point to Brant Island, has from 6 to 16 feet of water over it, 
the deep water lying furthest from the land. The bottom is 
hard, probably of sand. A small triangular area near Judith, 
and on the northern side of the Pamplico river channel, has a 
depth of from 10 to 16 feet, and hard bottom. The rest of the 
area is in deep water and has a soft, muddy bottom. There are 
no oysters or oyster beds anywhere on this ground. 

While the want of the necessary observations as to the bottom 
and water prevents my giving an opinion at all decisive as to 
the adaptability of this section, yet as the oysters are growing in 
nearly every locality and some of them are of fine quality, there 
seems to be a possibility that all the area, with the exception of 
the deep water in the Pamplico and Neuse channels, may be 
utilized. This area amounts to 47,344 acres. If all the soft 
bottoms are excluded, as possibly they may subsequently be, the 
amount available would be 33,891 acres. Of this, about 1,000 
acres will represent the area occupied at present by oysters, 
leaving 32,800 unoccupied and unproductive. 

The copies of the licenses for "gardens," issued in Pamplico 
county, have not yet been received, but the entire area thus 
used does not exceed 150 acres. As soon as the work in Cedar 
Island Bay is completed, the survey of this section will be 
undertaken. 

SECTION xx. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Willow Point," in Lat. 35° 22' 51" N., and Long. 
76° 29' 41" W., thence running S. 65° 44' E. (true) b\ miles, 
more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
"Judith," in Lat. 35° 21' 03".21 N., and Long. 76° 24' 48".19 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 71 

W., thence running S. 57° 39' W. (true) 4| miles, more or less, 
to Pamplico Point Light House, in Lat. 35° 18' 50".65 N., and 
Long. 76° 29' 03". 55 W., thence running along the shore line 
of the Pamplico River and its tributaries, to the U. S. C. S. tri- 
angulation point known as "Hickory Point," in Lat. 35° 21' 
44" N., and Long. 76° 41' 37" W., thence running N. 16° 
12' E. (true) 3^ miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangu- 
lation point known as "Cousins Point," in Lat. 35° 24' 57" 
N., and Long. 76° 40' 25" W., thence running along the shore 
line of Pamplico and Pnngo Rivers and their tributaries, to the 
beginning, containing, more or less, 63,437 acres. 

This section has not been examined and nothing definite can 
fie said with regard to it. Including, as it does, the Pamplico 
and Pungo Rivers with their numerous tributaries, it is prob- 
able that the water is too fresh to permit successful oyster cul- 
ture. Upon that point, however, it is impossible to speak decis- 
ively until the specific gravity of the water has been determined. 
Providing that the indications in that respect are favorable, an 
area of 26,000 acres, which represents the hard bottom only, is 
suitable. It is probable, however, that only that portion of the 
section lying near the mouths of the Pamplico and Pungo will 
be found sufficiently salt, and the suitable area will consequently 
be much reduced. 

SECTION XXI. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Point of Marsh," in Lat. >35° 04' 02".47 N., and 
Long. 76° 28' 29". 36 W., thence running along shore line of 
the Neuse River, and its tributaries, to the U. S. C. S. triangu- 
lation point known as "Cedar Point," in Lat. 34° 58' 49" N., 
and Long. 76° 39' 33" W., thence running N. 24° 02' W. (true) 
34; miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Whittaker's Point," in Lat. 35° 01' 23".8 N., and 
Long. 76° 40' 58" W., thence running along shore line of Neuse 
River and its tributaries, to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Maw Point," in Lat. 35° 09' 06".98 N., and Long. 



72 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

76° 32' 12" '.93 W., thence running S. 46° 00' E. (true) 5J 
miles, more or less, to the intersection of said line S. 46° E. 
(true) with a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as Brant Island, in Lat. 35° 12' 35" N., and Long. 
76° 26' 37" W., S. 9° 40' W. (true), the said point of inter- 
section being the corner of Sections XVII and XIX, thence 
running S. 15° 25' W. (true) If miles, more or less, to the 
beginning, containing, more or less, 50,299 acres. 

This section includes the area at the mouth of the Neuse River 
and that of the several tributary creeks and bays lying below 
Cedar Point and the Garbacon Shoal. As the suitable ground 
is principally located in these bays and creeks, they will be 
described separately. The section has only been superficially exam- 
ined and the opinions held at present regarding it are subject to 
modification. 

Rattan Bay lies opposite the Neuse River Light House at the 
mouth of the river, and comprises an area of 1,079 acres. The 
depth is from 2 to 8 feet, the deep water occupying the central 
part of the bay. On that area the bottom is soft, but as the 
water shoals it becomes hard. The specific gravity has not yet 
been determined, but in the river immediately opposite it is 
1.0065. A few small oyster beds lie in the bay. The whole of 
this area appears to be suitable for oyster growing. 

Cedar Bay is a small estuary, lying about 2 miles to the south- 
ward of Rattan and at the mouth of Turnagain Bay. It has a 
depth of from 2 to 7 feet, moderately soft bottom in the deep 
water and hard in the shoal, and appears to be good ground. Its 
area is 244 acres, and it contains no oysters. 

Turnagain Bay is 5 miles S. S. E. of the Neuse River Light 
House aud 4 miles S. S. W. of Poiut of Marsh. Its area is 
2,391 acres. Abraham's Bay is a small tributary of Turnagain 
Bay, comprising 118 acres. The depth in Turnagain Bay is 
from 2 to 13 feet, the deep water forming a channel from f- to J 
mile wide and extending up the middle of the bay and its 
branches. The 6 foot curve will be found from J to J mile off 
the shores on both sides. The bottom is soft in the deep water 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 73 

and hard inside the 6 foot curve. In Pitman's Creek and Abra- 
ham's Bay, 4 to 8 feet will be found, with sticky and soft bot- 
toms predominating. The density has not yet been determined. 
Small beds and scattered oysters lie off the mouth of Abraham's 
Bay and between that locality and Pitman's Creek on the west 
side, and opposite Hog Point on the east side of Turnagain Bay. 
The whole area appears to be favorably situated for oyster culture. 

South River lies about 4 miles to the westward of Turnagain 
Bay and is an important tributary of the Neuse. It is about 7 
miles long and from \ mile at its head, to 1 mile wide at its 
mouth. Including its tributaries, its area is 2,922 acres. The 
depth of water is fairly uniform, ranging from 10 to 12 feet, 
except for about a mile from the mouth, where it increases to 15 
and 20 feet, forming a deep channel out of the river and into the 
Neuse. Close along the shore the water is shoal and the bottom 
hard, but on the major portion of the area soft or sticky bottoms 
will be found. A few small oyster beds and scattered oysters lie 
near the mouth of the river, on the shoals ou each side of the 
deep channel. The whole area appears adapted to oyster culture. 
In neither Turnagain Bay nor South River has the density been 
yet determined; and as the water outside these estuaries is of a 
low specific gravity it is possible that both bay and river may be 
found unsuitable when they are more thoroughly and systemati- 
cally examined. The presence of living oysters in these waters 
has, however, caused them to be provisionally included in the 
available area. 

Off the southern and western shores of the Neuse, from 
Point of Marsh to the Garbacon Shoal, there is a stretch of 
hard bottom, from \\ to 2 miles wide, with from 6 to 20 feet 
of water over it. Indeed, the 20 loot curve marks quite accu- 
rately the outer limit of this tract. Off the Point of Marsh an 
extensive shoal, with from 5 to 10 feet over it, makes out \\ 
miles to the northward and westward, and just to jthe eastward 
of South River is a similar shallow area extending off shore a 
little less than a mile. Off Sandy Point, near the southern and 
western limit of the section, a 6 foot shoal makes out for a mile, 



74 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

and off Cedar Point is the well known Garbacon Shoal, with 
from 6 to 10 feet or water, and extending to the middle of the 
channel. On the northern and western shores, the 12 foot curve 
lies a little less than a mile from the land and inside of it the 
bottom is hard. About 1 mile to the southward and westward 
of the mouth of Broad Creek, the Gum Thicket Shoal, having 
from 2 to 5 feet over it, makes out a mile to the eastward, and 
off Piney and Maw Points are large shoals with but from 1 to 5 
feet over them and extending 1J miles from the land. The 
Neuse River Light House is situated on the extremity of the 
first of these two shoals. 

Between the tracts of hard bottom adjacent to the shores the 
Neuse is 20 to 22 feet deep, with a soft, muddy bottom. In this 
region, and on the shoals already described, where the depth is 
less than 3 feet, successful cultivation of oysters can hardly be 
achieved. But the remaining hard bottoms form good ground. 

Broad Creek is the only tributary on the northern and western 
side of the Neuse that is of sufficient importance to justify 
especial mention. With its tributaries, it comprises 1,068 acres. 
The depth ranges from 6 to 10 feet and the bottom, except along 
the shores, is soft. The creek has numerous small streams flow- 
ing into it and it is probable that the water is too fresh to produce 
a very high grade of oysters. Small beds and scattered groups 
lie about the mouth and in the lower part of the creek. Density 
and current observations have not yet been made. Immediately 
north of Piney Point and Broad Creek, is a shallow estuary, 
known as Swan Creek. It comprises 173 acres, has a depth of 
from 2 to 4 feet, and soft bottom. 

The ground may be considered suitable in both Broad and 
Swan creeks, wherever the bottom is sufficiently hard, to sup- 
port the oysters. But, as with the bays and river on the south- 
ern shore, the density of the water exercises the most important 
influence; and until that has been determined nothing definite 
can be stated. In the Neuse itself the average specific gravity 
is 1.0057, which is sufficiently low to throw grave doubts upon 
the feasibility of doing anything with the area. As, however, 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 75 

oysters are growing now in the section, those localities having 
suitable bottom are provisionally included in the available area. 
Excluding the ground now occupied by oyster beds, which is, 
approximately, 230 acres, there is 28,600 acres of possible value. 

SECTION XXII. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
known as "Point of Marsh," in Lat. 35° 04' 02" Al N., and 
Long. 76° 28' 29".36 W., thence running N. 15° 25' E. (true) 
\\ miles, more or less, to a point on the one fathom curve of the 
shoal to the northward of said Point of Marsh, the said point 
being the corner of Sections XVII, XIX, and XXI, thence 
running S. 89° 10 E. (true) 2J miles, more or' less, thence S. 45° 
01' E. (true) 5f miles, more or less, to the U. S. C. S. triangu- 
lation point known as "Cedar Island," in Lat. 35° 01' 56".83 
N., and Long. 76° 21' 01". 13 W., thence running along the shore 
line of Cedar Island and of the several bays shown on the charts 
of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey as North, Cedar Island, 
and Long Bays, and crossing in a due south direction the stream 
known as the "Thoroughfare," at the head of Thoroughfare 
Bay, at a point in Lat. 34° 55' 39".7 N., and Long. 76' 22° 00" 
W., to the beginning, containing, more or less, 28,615 acres. 

This section is now under examination, and promises to develop 
very favorable indications. 

Depth of water: The contour of the bottom is irregular and 
the changes in depth very abrupt. In the middle of Cedar 
Island Bay is a somewhat tortuous channel, 5 miles long and f 
mile broad, in which the depth is from 15 to 20 feet. Narrow 
branches of this channel, with depths ranging from 10 to 17 feet, 
extend into the several tributary bays. From the Point of Marsh 
a 2 to 3 foot shoal, \ mile broad, follows the boundary lines of 
the section closely as far as the Swan Islands, and then extends 
to the southward 1 J miles, to the edge of the deep channel in the 
bay. Between this shoal and the marsh forming the mainland, 
is a tract about 4| miles long and 1 mile wide, over which the 
depth is uniform, being from 7 to 9 feet, West of this area, 



76 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

the water shoals gradually to the marsh, from ^ to \ mile dis- 
tant; and similar shoal water is found about Raccoon Key, which 
lies between the Swan Islands and the mainland. East of the 
shoal extending south from the Swan Islands, and as far as the 
boundary line of the section, the depth is from 7 to 13 feet, 
the deep water being to the eastward. 

There is a long, tongue-shaped, 2 foot shoal extending about 
S. E. 2 miles from the marsh, at a point 2 miles south of Rac- 
coon Key; but with this exception the shoal water of less than 
3 feet, along the western shore, lies close to the marsh as far as 
the head of Long Bay. In the same way, along the southern 
and eastern shores, there is a depth of 3 feet or more close to 
the marsh but both the 6 and 12 foot curves are from ^ to \ 
mile and from \ to 1 mile respectively, distant from the land. 
Generally the depth in Cedar Island and Long Bays is from 4 
to 9 feet, except in the deep channels in the middle of the bay 
and its tributaries; and, except in Cedar Island Bay, these chan- 
nels are narrow and occupy but comparatively little space. In 
North Bay the water is shoal, ranging from 1 to 7 feet; and 
west of the island on which the triangulation point "Cedar 
Island" is situated, is a shoal about one mile in diameter, which 
rises abruptly to 1 and 4 feet from the deep 20 foot channel 
forming the entrance to the bay. 

Character of bottom: In the deep water and channels it is soft, 
consisting of mud. On the shoalsit is of hard sand, and in the 
moderately deep water, that between 12 and 6 feet, the bottom is 
also hard, consisting of sand or sand and mud mixed, with 
spaces and slues of soft mud interspersed over the area. 

Specific gravity: Complete observations have not yet been 
made, but so far an average of 1.0082 is indicated for the main 
portion of Cedar Island Bay. 

Oyster beds: These are numerous, and many are of good size. 
Only approximate positions and areas can be given as yet, as the 
survey is not completed. 

Scattered groups and small beds lie in North Bay, on the shoals 
on each side of the channel in Cedar Island Bay and along the 



EEPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 77 

western and northern line of shoals in Long Bay. About the 
Swan Islands, Point of Marsh and Raccoon Key, beds and groups 
are plentiful; the whole' tract, lying betweeu the shoal off the 
Point of Marsh and the shore being, in fact, an almost continu- 
ous oyster bed. Here a very large growth of young oysters has 
been noticed and only a few empty or dead shells discovered. 
The approximate area occupied by oysters in the section is 1,070 
acres. Little or no current has been observed so far in the bay ; 
subsequent observations, however, may show different results in 
other portions of the area. 

Cedar Island Bay and its tributaries, which compose this sec- 
tion, I regard as excellent ground for oyster culture. The waters 
are well protected by marshes and shoals from the deleterious 
effects of gales and freshets; a large proportion of the bottom is 
suitable in character, and those areas now too soft can probably 
be made sufficiently hard without great expense, and finally, 
there are already numerous prolific beds scattered about the 
shoals and shores. There is, however, a lack of current, which 
is a drawback, and in addition the specific gravity is too low to 
permit the production of a uniformly high grade of stock. When 
all the data have been obtained, however, an improvement in 
this respect may become evident. As it appears at present, there 
is no insuperable difficulty in making the entire 28,600 acres 
productive, and even when the soft bottoms in the chaunels, 
amounting to 5,000 acres, which are of rather a possible than a 
probable value, are excluded, there remains 23,800 acres which 
can, in all likelihood, be turned into oyster beds. 

SECTION XXIII. 

Description: Begins at the U. S. C S. triaugulation point 
known as "Camp Point," in Lat, 34° 59' 51 ".1 N., and Long. 
76° 14' 37".2 W., thence running S. 78° 58' E. (true) 5| miles, 
more or less, with a line drawn to the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point known as "Wade," in Lat. 34° 58' 58".93 N. and Long. 
76° 09' 11". 2 W. to a point at the intersection of said line 
with the shore of Core Banks, thence with the western shore 
line of Core Banks to a point at the intersection of said shore 



78 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

line with the prolongation of a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. 
trian'gulation point known as "Davis Shore," in Lat. 34° 46' 
51".6 N., and Long. 76° 27' 53".3 W., to the U. S. C. S. triangu- 
lation point known as "Shingle Point," in Lat. 34° 45' 18". 8 N., 
and Long. 76° 26' 18".6 W., thence with said line to the trian- 
gulation point "Shingle Point," thence to the triangulation point 
1 "Davis Shore," thence along the shore line of the mainland and 
across in a due north direction, the stream known as the 
"Thoroughfare," at the head of Thoroughfare Bay, at a point 
in Lat. 34° 55' 38".l N ., and Long. 76° 22' 00" W., thence to the 
eastward along the shore of Cedar Island to its intersection with 
the southern boundary line of Section XIV, thence to the east- 
ward with said boundary line of Section XIV to the beginning, 
containing, more or less, 44,307 acres. 

This section is one of the most important in the State, embrac- 
ing as it does the northern portion of Core Sound and its trib- 
utaries. As the latter are large, and as the depth of water and 
character of bottom varies considerably, each tributary will be 
especially described. 
. Back Bay is surrounded by Hog Island and its connecting 
marshes, and comprises an area of 882 acres. The depth of 
water is from 1 to 7 feet, the bottom of hard mud or sand, cov- 
ered, more or less, with grass, with numerous small areas of soft 
mud. The specific gravity of the water is 1.0107. There are 
a few small oyster beds and small scattered oysters in the bay, 
and in the opening in the marsh at Camp Point, where the bay 
is connected with the Sound, and at both ends of Oyster Creek 
(another connection through the southern shore of Hog Island) 
several artificial beds are located. 

Back Bay has all the conditions necessary to successful oyster 
culture, except depth and clear bottom. If the grass is cleared 
off, however, there will be no difficulty in utilizing that portion 
of the area lying in more than 2 feet of water, and even the 
very shoal ground of this well protected locality can be made of 
use, should the elaborate French systems of cultivation ever 
come in vogue. About 400 acres is, then, of probable and 880 
of possible value. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 79 

Hog Island Bay lies immediately to the southward of Back 
Bay, between Hog Island aud Cedar Island, and comprises an 
area of 2,140 acres. The depth of water is from 7 to 9 feet over 
the central portion, and from 2 to 3 feet over the surrounding 
tracts and along the shores. The bottom is moderately soft in the 
middle of the bay, consisting of sand, more or less consistent, 
interspersed with small mud patches, and of hard sand along the 
shores and in the shoaler water, i^bout the head of the bay the 
water is very shoal, with hard, sandy bottom ; and here as else- 
where on sand bottoms in this vicinity a large quantity of grass 
will be found growiug. The specific gravity of the water is 
1.0109. No natural oyster beds exist in the bay, but small 
scattered groups are occasionally encountered ; several oyster 
"gardens" (artificial beds) have been established along the 
northern, Hog Island shores. 

Hog Island Bay is well adapted for cultivation, being shel- 
tered, of fair depth, generally good bottom and sufficiently high 
specific gravity. In the very shoal waters there will be some 
danger from extremes of heat and cold ; but in the deep water no 
serious drawback exists. 

Next to the southward of Hog Island Bay is Lewis Creek, a 
small tributary of Core Sound, comprising 41 acres in very 
shoal water. It is of no practical importance. 

JRumley Bay lies between Hog Island Bay aud Thoroughfare 
Bay and comprises 211 acres. The depth of water is from 2 to 
5 feet, the bottom of hard sand and the density of the water 
1.0117. Numerous small oyster beds are scattered about this 
bay, which will prevent its utilization for artificial beds, other- 
wise the whole area is well adapted for that purpose. 

Thoroughfare Bay is a large estuary lying between Cedar 
Island and Hunting Quarters and comprising an area of 2,773 
acres. At its head it is connected by a narrow creek or canal known 
as the " Thoroughfare," with Cedar Island Bay. In the lower 
or eastern part of the bay the depth of water is from 6 to 8 feet 
except for about 4; mile along the northern and southern shores, 
where it is from 1 to 3 feet. Deeper water is found along Cedar 



80 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Island than on the opposite side of the bay. In the upper por- 
tion the depth is from 2 to 5 feet, the least water being along 
the shores and at the head of the bay near the entrance to the 
Thoroughfare. In this region the bottom is of mud, both soft 
and hard, the areas being small and interspersed. As the cen- 
tral and lower portions are approached, soft mud predominates. 
Below Berry's Bay, which is at about the middle of Thorough- 
fare Bay, the bottom is nearly all soft mud except where oysters 
are encountered and on the shoal tract lying between Hall's 
Point and the mouth of Berry's Bay, along the southern shore 
of Thoroughfare Bay. On this latter area the bottom is of hard 
sand. 

The specific gravity in the upper part of the bay is 1.0124; 
in the middle and in Berry's Bay 1.0120, and in the lower por- 
tion and at the mouth 1.0124. There are a few scattered oysters 
in the upper part of the bay, a large number in the Thoroughfare, 
and in the lower and lower central portions both large beds and 
numerous areas of scattered oysters. 

While the bottom in this locality is in many places rather soft, 
it is not so much so as to preclude improvement, aud as the other 
conditions are so favorable, the whole of the ground is included 
in the area which is deemed suitable for cultivation. The extent 
of the natural beds, which is considerable, will, however, reduce 
somewhat the area available. 

Styran's Bay, comprising 489 acres, is merely an indentation in 
the shore between Steep and Mill Points. The depth is from 3 
to 7 feet; but only 1 and 2 feet will be found in the cove imme- 
diately to the northward of Mill Point and between that point 
and Cedar Creek. Generally the 3-foot curve lies about \ mile 
off shore. The bottom on this shoal ground is of hard sand 
covered more or less with grass. As the water deepens the bot- 
tom becomes softer, changing first to soft sand and then to soft 
mud, and the amount of grass diminishes. The density of the 
water is 1.0126. No beds, and only a few scattered oysters were 
found in this bay, but several artificial beds have been established 
along the northern shores and in the neighborhood of Steep 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 81 

Point. The whole area appears to be both suitable and available 
for oyster culture. 

Nelson's Bay, comprising 914 acres, is a large and important 
area lying between Mill and Piney Points. It is about 2 miles 
long and from J to f mile wide. Several small creeks whose 
area is included in that of the bay empty into it from the western 
shore. The depth of water in the bay is from 2 to 8 feet. Id 
the upper and northern half 4 to 5 feet are found except along 
the shores, where the water is shoal. The bottom in this region 
is principally of soft sand, with some soft mud. Along the 
shores and on the shoal ground the bottom is harder. Through 
the middle and towards Salter's Ci ck, soft mud will be found. 
The specific gravity is 1.0130. A out the middle of the b^ay 
the depth is from 3 to 4 feet with a narrow channel of 8 feet, 
less than J mile wide, in the middle. In this channel the bottom 
is of soft mud; on the shoals on each side, of soft sand which 
grows hard as the shore is approached. Off Drum Point, on the 
northern and eastern side, a long sand shoal with from 1 to 3 
ieat over it makes out to the channel, and here the specific grav- 
ity is 1.0142. ihe lower part of the bay is in from 4 to 9 feet 
of water except within about ^ to ^ mile of the shore, where 
only 1 and 2 feet will be found. The bottom is soft sand with 
occasional small areas of mud; along the shores, as is usual, hard 
sand is the principal characteristic. The specific gravity in this 
region is 1.0132. The oyster beds lie in the central and upper 
portions, and are somewhat indiscriminately scattered over the 
whole area. The larger beds are found in the middle part, on 
the edges of the deep water. In the lower portion of the bay 
are a few small beds, scarcely large euough to deserve the name, 
and a few scattered oysters. 

In Huff's Creek (28 acres), the most southerly tributary, the 
average depth is 3 feet, and the bottom of hard sand along the 
southern shore, soft mud in the middle and soft sand on the 
northern shore. The upper end of the creek is of soft mud. 
One oyster garden is located on the southern side. 
6 



82 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

In Willis Creek (19 acres), which is opposite Drum Point, 
the depth is from 2 to 3 feet, and the bottom principally of soft 
sand and grass, except in the middle of the creek, where it is of 
soft mud. An oyster bed of considerable size lies at the mouth 
of the creek and an oyster garden is located in the N. W. branch. 
In Lewis Creek the depth is from 1 to 3 feet and the bottom 
similar to that in Willis Creek. There are no natural beds, but 
an oyster garden is located on the northern side near the mouth 
of the creek. In Broad Creek, which lies in the upper part of 
die Bay, the depth is about 3 feet, and the bottom of soft sand 
and soft mud. Numerous- groups of oysters and small beds are 
scattered over the area. In Salter's Creek, at the head of the 
bay, the depth is 3 feet and the bottom soft mud. A large por- 
tion of the area is taken up by "gardens." There are a number 
•of gardens along the eastern shores of Nelson's Bay, above Drum 
Point; but only those having licenses of record are shown on 
the map. 

The whole of Nelson's Bay and its several tributaries appears 
well adapted to oyster culture, though the very soft bottoms will 
require treatment before they can be used with great success. 
It is possible also that the sandy bottoms may move under the 
influence of heavy gales ; but a liberal deposit of shells would 
soon remedy that defect. Grass, wherever growing, would have 
to be eradicated to a great extent. The number of natural beds 
in the bay is a drawback, as they are so numerous that a con- 
siderable part of the total area is through them excluded from 
improvement. The limits of these public grounds have been 
defined and as soon as laid down on the large scale maps, they 
can be accurately described. Excluding them, the bay can be 
made an excellent oyster ground. 

Brett's Bay makes iuto the land immediately to the southward, 
and westward of Piuey Point, between which and King's Point 
the bay is situated. Its area is 281 acres. The depth is from 1 
to 5 feet, the bottom soft sand or soft mud, except close to the 
shores where the sand becomes hard, and the specific gravity is 
from 1.0120 to 1.0086. Numerous small beds and groups of 
scattered oysters lie about the marshy islets off Piney Point, 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 83 

and also from the western shore well out into the middle of the 
bay. The area is well adapted for oyster culture, but the numbers 
of small beds or groups -of oysters growing naturally, absorb a 
considerable portion of the area. 

Oyster Creek lies next to the southward of Brett's Bay and 
comprises an area of 136 acres. It is a long and narrow stream 
with a depth of from 1 to 3 feet, and soft or sticky bottom, ex- 
cept along the shores and in shoal water, especially at the en- 
trance, where the bottom becomes" firmer, though the muddy 
characteristic still predominates. No oysters were found in this 
creek, but if the bottom is made consistent they will grow 
there without difficulty. 

Great Island Bay, comprising 630 acres, lies on the eastern 
or "Banks" side of the Sound near the southern boundary of 
the section. The water is generally shoal, the depth ranging 
from | foot to 2 and 3 feet, the principal portion of the area 
being taken up by the shoal ground. The deep water forms a 
narrow channel in the middle of the bay and in it is the only 
ground of any importance. Here the bottom is soft or sticky, 
but on the shoals it is of hard sand. 

In Great Island Bay and in all the other indentations in the 
marshes along the " Banks," are narrow slues and channels with 
soft bottoms, in which the oysters flourish and from which a 
superior quality of stock is produced. But the entire area 
comprised in these slues is small ; their accurate determination 
would require a new survey of the greater portion of the Sound, 
and their particular description would increase theiimiis of this 
report beyond reasonable bounds. They are therefore neglected 
in these remarks. 

The remainder of the section comprises the whole northern 
part of Core Sound. 

Depth of water: The contour of the bottom is irregular, 
the depth ranging from 1 to 9 and 10 feet. Generally the deep 
water will be found midway between the two shores ; but abreast 
Piney Point the channel approaches the western shore, while off 
Mill Point it is nearer the Banks. From Steep Point to the 



84 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

northward it is nearly in the middle. For the whole length of 
the Sound considerably 'deeper water is fuund along the western 
shores than off the Banks, and as the northern boundary of the 
section is approached the area of comparatively deep water is 
much expanded. From the Banks, the shoals extend about one 
mile into the Sound except opposite Steep and Mill Points, where 
the width of the shallow water is only ^ to ^ mile. Over 
these shoals the depth is generally less than 1 foot, except in the 
narrow and tortuous slues leading in to the marshes, and to 
which reference has already been made. Along the western 
shores the 3 foot curve lies generally within less than \ mile of 
the land. Between these two shoal tracts the depth is from 6 to 
8 feet, except off Piney Point, where it decreases to 3 and 4 feet. 
Character of bottom: From "Davis Shore," at the southern 
boundary of the section, to Mill Point, the bottom on the shoals 
is of hard sand; in the middle, generally of soft sand, and over 
both areas is more or less grass. From Mill Point to Hall's 
Point the bottom is hard sand on the shoals and near the western 
shores, and of hard mud in the middle and channel. A few 
areas of soft sand are found in the deep water off Hall's Point,, 
and occasionally small tracts of soft mud will be encountered. 
In the shallow water on sandy bottom there is considerable grass. 
From Hall's Point to Long Point hard sand is found near the 
shores and mud in the channels. Off the mouth of Thoroughfare 
and Rumley's Bays hard mud and sand continue across the Sound, 
the sand predominating near the Banks. Off the mouth of Lewis 
Creek the bottom is of soft sand and grass, the former becoming 
harder as the distance from the shore increases. Off Robinson's 
Point it is of hard sand until the channel is reached, where it is 
of hard or soft mud. Along the Banks the usual sand and grass 
is found. Off Hog Island, except along the shores, is a large 
area of soft mud, with sand and grass near the shoals; 
and from Hog Island to the boundary of the section sand and 
grass is the predominating characteristic, though mud is found 
in the narrow channel leading into the Sound. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 85 

Specific gravity : The average for the section is 1.0122, but 
the density varies from 1.0100 at the northern boundary to 
1.0200 at the southern. . 

Oyster beds: In the southern portion of the Sound there are 
no natural beds until the region about Piney Point and off the 
mouth of Nelson's Buy is reached. A number of "gardens," 
however, have been located off Davis Shore. Between Drum 
Point and Cedar Inlet many small groups of oysters exist; but 
they are so small as to hardly merit mention. They lie at inter- 
vals nearly across the Sound from the western to the eastern 
shore. .Between Steep and Hall's Points are a number of large 
beds, though only in a few instances are they solid rocks. They 
lie in the deep water or channel way. Off the mouth of Thor- 
oughfare Bay no oysters of any consequence were found ; but 
between Rurn ley's Bay and the northern boundary of the 
section the beds become numerous and comparatively of 
good size. They are especially thick off Robinson's Point 
and to the southward of Harbor and Wainwright Islands. 
Very few beds lying in the Sound are what the oystermen 
term "rocks;" but most of the areas indicated on the 
map as beds have been subject to a more or less contin- 
uous fishery, and though the oysters are now rather scarce 
and scattered, the ground which they occupy has been considered 
as properly "public" and therefore included in the area so 
denominated. The artificial bt-ds or "oyster gardens," not 
already described, are located in the slues through the shoals off 
the Banks. Several lie opposite to Styran's Bay and Mill Point 
and others opposite Thoroughfare Bay ; but the majority have 
been located opposite Hog and Harbor Islands and near the 
northern limit of the section. The positions of the several 
public and private grounds can be best understood by reference 
to the accompanying map ; but as the scale of that map is very 
small (^owoT °^ tne ac *ual size) all the areas are exaggerated 
somewhat. The actual area, position and limits of each public 
and private bed is being determined as fast as possible or as the 
work can be laid down on the large scale maps. 



86 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

No enemies of the oyster were discovered; but the ribbed 
mussel (Meodiola plicatula) appeared to be abundant. The 
oysters were generally of a fair quality, and those coming from 
the deep water, either in the Sound or its tributaries, where they 
exist in scattered groups, were especially fine. 

I consider this section, with the exception of the shoal water 
along the eastern or Banks shores, as excellently adapted for 
oyster culture. 

The currents are on an average above J knot per hour though 
their velocity is greatly influenced by the wind. The bottom is- 
generally hard or sufficiently so to support the oysters, and the 
specific gravity is comparatively high. The drawbacks are the 
amount of grass which grows on the shoals and which is torn 
up by gales and piled along the shore and on the bottoms, and 
the numbers of small groups of natural growth oysters that are 
scattered about the area. Until these latter are located and 
defined by legal enactment, any material advance in the oyster 
industry in this region is hopeless; as otherwise no man can 
know whether he has included a natural bed within his bound- 
aries or not. These natural beds comprise an area of 763 acres. 
Excluding them and the unsuitable ground, 32,000 acres remain,, 
which are suitable for cultivation and on a large proportion of 
which an excellent oyster can be raised.* 

SECTION XXIV. 
\ 
Description: Begins at the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 

known as "Davis Shore," in Lat. 34° 46' 51".6 N., and Long. 
76° 27' 55". 3 W., thence running to the westward with the 
shore of the mainland, around Jarrett's Bay, North River and 
Newport River and crossing Harlow Creek at its head, at the 
entrance to the Clubfoot Canal, to the eastern end of the rail- 
road wharf at Morehead City, the same being in Lat. 34° 43' 
05" N., and Long. 76° 41' 21" W., thence S. 29° 37' E. (true) 
1J miles, more or less, with a line drawn from said end of the 
railroad wharf to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as 
"Fort Macon," in Lat. 34° 41' 41".6 N., and Long. 76° 40' 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 87 

23".3 W., to the intersection of said line with the shore line of 
Bogue Banks, thence to the southward and eastward with said! 
shore line to a point at its intersection with a line drawn S. 48 c ' 
02' E. (true) from the said " Fort Macon*" triangulation point, 
thence with said line S. 48° 02' E. (true) 1 mile, more or less, to its- 
intersection with the shore liue of Shackleford Banks, thence 
the north shore line, to the northward and eastward, following 
with said shore of Shackleford Banks and the west shore of Core 
Banks to a point at the intersection of said shore line, with a line 
drawn S. 49° 41/ E. (true) from the U. S. C S. triangulation point 
known as "Davis Shore" thrtuigh the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point known as "Shingle Point," in Lat. 34° 45" 18".8 N., and 
Long. 76° 26' 18".6 W., thence with said line, N. 49° 41' W. 
"(true) through the "Shingle Point" triangulation point, to the 
beginning, containing more or ie>s, 39,137 acres. 

This section includes (lie southern portion of Core Sound and 
those important tributaries, Jarrett's Bay and the North and 
Newport Rivers. For the reasons given under Section XXIII, 
the principal tributaries will be separately described. 

Spit Bay is a small, shallow estuary lying about a mile to the 
southward of the Davis Shore triangulation point and immedi- 
ately to the northward of Davis Island. Its area is 59 acres, 
the depth from 1 to 2 feet, and the bottom of sticky mud and 
grass. As it is sheltered, it can be utilized for oyster culture, 
though its want of depth will cause operations to be somewhat 
hazardous. 

Jarrett's Bay is a huge and important arm of Core Sound, 
comprising 2,295 acres. The depth of water is from 2 to 6 feet, 
and 3 feet can be found over the principal part of the bay; 
the very shoal water lying close to the shores. Four large creeks, 
known as Willis, Wade, Jumping Run and Hancock's Creeks, 
empty into the bay from the westward and Broad Creek at the 
head. In Broad Creek the depth is from 1 to 3 feet, the bottom 
of soft mud, except along the eastern edges, where it is of hard 
sand. Scattered oysters are found over the area. 



$8 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Willis Creek has from 2 to 3 feet of water and soft bottom, 
generally mud overlying a shelly stratum. Wade Creek is of 
the same general character, but the depth of water is only from 
^ foot to 2 feet. Jumping Run Creek is deeper, having from 1 to 
3^ feet, and Hancock's Creeek from 1 to 2 J feet. In all the 
creeks the bottom is soft. In Hancock's and Jumping Run 
Creeks small oyster beds lie along the southern shores, and in all 
the creeks there are many groups or small beds of scattered oysters, 
partly or wholly covered with mud, interspersed over the bot- 
toms. These creeks are all favorable places for planting, but the 
bottom must be rendered firm before much success will attend 
efforts in oyster culture. 

In the bay the bottom is generally of mud, except along the 
shores, especially the eastern, where it is of hard sand, which 
becomes soft as the water deepens. The upper portion of the 
bay is covered with scattered oysters and solid beds or "rocks," 
surrounded by mud. The density is high, ranging above 1.0200 
About the head of the bay and creeks it is on occasions consid- 
erably lower, but the average will be between 1 .0100 and 1 .0200. 
The currents are sluggish, with a general but slow set towards 
the mouth of the bay. The oyster gardens, as shown on the map, 
lie along the western side of the bay and in the creeks before 
mentioned. Numbers of these gardens have been staked out, 
and some have been improved, but many of the owners have 
no license, and as this survey has not taken cognisance of lots of 
that description, they are not shown on the maps. The positions 
of most of them, however, have been ascertained, and the lots 
can be established if the licenses are obtained. 

Jarrett's Bay has a good reputation among oyster consumers, 
and the oysters found there are, at times, of a superior quality. 
It is well suited for " planting" purposes, that is, the improvement 
of stock, but is not well adapted to raising the same. The bot- 
tom is too soft generally for any use, but it can be improved at 
comparatively little cost, and once made sufficiently hard, oysters 
thereon would probably attain a fine flavor and command good 
prices. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 89 

Lewis Creek lies immediately south of Bell's Point. It is 
small, comprising about 69 acres, and shallow, having but 1 or 
2 feet of water. The bottom is of soft mud, except about the 
edges, where it is of sand or sand and mud. Oysters are more 
or less thinly scattered- over the area. The ground is considered 
as favorable, but the want of depth is a drawback. 

Sleepy Creek lies at the eastern entrance to the Straits, and com- 
prises an area of 99 acres. The depth is about 2 feet and the 
bottom sticky, hardening towards the land. Small oyster beds, 
dry at low water, lie along the shores, and nearly the whole creek 
has been taken up by oyster 'gardens ; very few owners, how- 
ever, have secured licenses, though in some cases applications are 
pending. The density does not exceed that of the Straits, which 
is 1.0270 at this point, and during wet weather is considerably 
less. 

Eastmouth Bay, comprises 250 acres and forms an indenta- 
tion in the eastern shore of Marker's Island. There is a narrow 
channel making up the middle of the bay in which the depth is 
from 2 to 4 feet. On each side of this channel the water is 
shoah The bottom is of mud, more or less soft, with a good 
deal of grass growing on it, especially in the middle portions. 
The density is, on an average, above 1.0200. Oysters are scattered 
over the bay and small beds line the shores. The ground is 
considered suitable for raising seed, but on account of the high 
specific gravity, not well adapted for the improvement of stock. 

The Straits, as the name' indicates, is a narrow sheet of water 
lying between Harker's Island and the mainland. It comprises 
1,641 acres. Much of this area is in 'shallow water, the depth 
ranging from 1 to 3 feet; through the middle, however, is a deep 
channel of from 15 to 20 feet. The bottom generally is hard, 
consisting of a stratum of mud, more or less light, over sand ; 
in the channel is some mud. All the shoal ground is 
more or less covered with grass. The specific gravity is high, 
ranging above 1.0250 and the currents rapid, setting east and 
west, over a knot per hour. Small oyster beds are found at 
close intervals along both shores, bat do not frequently extend 



90 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

into deep water or below low water mark. A number of oyster 
gardens have been taken up on the northern side of the Straits, 
but only a few owners have secured licenses. In some cases 
applications are pending and in others a species of squatter 
sovereignty is exercised. The principal part of this area seems 
well suited for raisiug seed oysters. The density of the water 
is too great to produce good marketable stock, but with the 
swift current and clean, clear water, there should be no diffi- 
culty in catching enormous quantities of spat for transportation 
to the fatteniug ponds or to Pamplico Sound. 

Chadwick's Creek is a small arm of the Straits, making into 
the mainland, and comprising 29 acres. It is about 2 feet deep, 
of sticky bottom, and has a number of small oyster beds lying 
along the western shores, and an oyster garden is located on the 
opposite side. The area can probably be made an excellent fat- 
tening ground at moderate expense. 

Westmouth Bay lies opposite Chad wick's Creek, both being 
situated about the middle of the Straits. It comprises an area 
of 335 acres. In the middle the depth is from 2 to 4 feet, but 
from yf to ^ mile from the shore not more than 1 to 2 feet will 
be found. The bottom is generally soft with grass growing 
over it, except on the shoal ground, where sand or sand and 
mud mixed are encountered, and the bottom becomes more or 
less hard. Oyster beds are found at intervals along the shores, 
and an oyster garden lies in the extreme southwestern part of 
the bay. The area is suitable principally for the raising of seed 
oysters, the water being too salt to improve the stock to any great 
extent. 

Craney Island Bay lies near the eastern end of the Straits and 
opposite Sleepy Creek. It is practically occupied by oyster gar- 
dens, and the owner of them and of the adjacent land claims 
that the bay itself is within his territory, and included in his 
deeds. 

Back Sound is the name given to that portion of Core Sound 
lying between Harker's Island and the Shackleford Banks. The 
Sound comprises an area of 11,829 acres and is generally shoal, 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 91 

the depth ranging from 1 to 3 and 4 feet. A deep channel, of from 
10 to 20 feet, extends along the shore of Harker's Island, and 
another between Gull Island and the Banks for about two-thirds 
the length of the Sound from the western end. The shore of 
Harker's Island is comparatively bold, but on the southern side 
of the S and only 1 and 2 feet will be found. The bottom near 
the northern shore is of hard or soft sand covered with grass. 
On the shoal extending east and west of Gull Island and sepa- 
rating the two deep water slues or channels, is mud covered with 
long grass. Beyond the southern slue and in the direction of 
the Banks the bottom is of' mud, but firm, covered with 
grass, and with occasional small areas of sand interspered. Be- 
tween the marshy islets and the Banks very soft mud and long 
grass will be encountered. The density of the water is, on an 
average, 1.0250 and the currents strong, exceeding J knot per 
hour. Oysters principally of the description known as ''raccoon 
oysters" are found along the edges of the marshes, and in small 
beds and groups in their immediate neighborhood. None exist 
along the Harker's Island shore, on the shoals, or in the channels, 
and no artificial beds have been established. The oysters found 
at present have no commercial importance, but should active 
planting be introduced into Pamplico, these beds would fur- 
nish an excellent .supply for that purpose; and while Back Sound 
will never in all probability, produce a high grade of oyster on 
accouut of its shoal and salt waters, yet as its currents are strong 
and the water clean it is excellently adapted to raising seed or 
small oysters for transplanting. 

That part of the section and of Core Sound lyiug between 
Back Sound and the northern boundary of the section, near 
Davis Shore, resembles in essential features the other part of 
Core Sound, which lies in Section XXIII. 

Depth of water: This is from 1 to 5 feet, the shoal water lying 
from ^ to 1 mile off the "Banks." In the middle of the Sound 
beyond that limit, the depth is from 8 to 5 feet with occasional 
large shoals with less water. 



92 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Character of bottom: This is, on the Banks side, of hard sand 
covered with grass, and the same characteristics predominate 
entirely across the Sound in that portion between the entrance 
to the Straits and Shell Point or Back Sound. Immediately 
north of the deep slue or channel leading into the Straits is a 
large area of soft mud. From Bell's Point at the mouth of Lewis 
Creek, to Davis Shore, the northern limit of the section, the bot- 
tom is of sticky mud and sand covered more or less with grass. 

Specific gravity : The average is 1.0200, which increases as the 
southern limit of this area and the Straits is approached, to 
1.0270. 

There are no oyster beds in this region other than those at the 
mouths of the creeks and bays already described. The cur- 
rents are strong, setting through and out of the Straits and Back 
Sound on the flood and in the opposite direction on the ebb. 
As great a velocity as 1^ knots per hour has been measured at 
the east end of the Straits and the average is fully £ knot per 
hour. Heavy winds influence this flow considerably, either 
increasing or diminishing it, according to the direction of the tide. 

All of this region, except that in very shoal water, along the 
Banks, is suitable ground for oyster culture and is especially 
adapted to the raising of seed oysters, for transplanting. 

From the western end of Harker's Island, at the mouth of 
the North River, the contour of the bottom is irregular, two deep 
channels of from 10 to 20 feet leading from the Inlet forming- 
Beaufort Harbor into Back Sound and the Straits. These chan- 
nels are 4 miles long and from J to \ mile wide, and on both 
sides of them the bottom rises abruptly to within one foot of 
the surface. A large marshy island known as Middle Marsh 
separates the two channels. lu front of Beaufort is a marsh 
and extending from it to the southward and eastward is a high 
sand bank known as the Bird Island Shoal. Between this shoal 
and the line of marshes known as Carrot Island and Horse 
Island, is a narrow boat passage which is filled with small beds 
of raccoon oysters; and between Carrot Island and the main- 
land is a similar narrow and shallow sheet of water, likewise 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 93 

occupied by oyster beds. In and about the Middle Marshes 
some small beds of raccoon oysters will be found; but in the 
channels and on the shoals, all of which have sandy bottoms, 
more or less covered with grass, there arc no oysters. The deep 
water here could be utilized, as it is clean, and the currents are 
particularly swift, exceeding; a knot an hour. Only seed oysters 
could be raised, however, as the specific gravity, which is from 
1.0220 to 1.0235, is too high. On the shoals nothing could be 
accomplished on account of the extremes of heat and cold and 
the shifting nature of the bottom. 

North River, comprising 5,272 acres, is probably the most impor- 
tant area in the section. It extends in a northerly and southerly 
direction 5.V miles, and is from i to 1^ miles broad. Two lartre 
creeks, Ward's and Goose, empty into the river from the eastern 
shore, and several small streams from the western. The depth 
ranges from J foot to 5 feet, but is generally from 2 to 3 feet. 
The i\t'ep water will be found a little to the eastward of the mid- 
dle of the stream and towards Ward's Creek. The lower part 
of the river, near the mouth, is- generally shoal and obstructed 
by marshes. Several comparatively deep channels lead up be- 
tween these shoals and marshes annV convey the salt water into 
the body of the river; but they are very narrow and occupy only 
a small portion of the area. 

(Character of bottom: This is either of sand or mud, the former 
being in some places soft and sometimes mixed with mud. In 
general the bottom is "sticky", and sufficiently firm to support 
oysters. On the high shoals, hard sand will be found, and sand 
predominates on all the eastern side of the upper portion. On 
these sandy bottoms there is a good deal of grass, which is, to a 
great extent, absent from the western side and soft bottoms. In 
the southern and extreme lower part of the river, hard sand 
shoals occupy a comparatively larger area. 

Specific gravity: The average density of the river is 1.0259, 
the maximum 1.0271, and the minimum 1.0241, showing that 
the specific gravity is uniformly high. 



94 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Oyster beds: On the western side small beds lie along the 
shores of Cheney's Bay, Turner's Creek and the shores of the 
river to a point about 2 miles above Lenoxville Point. They 
then cease until a point about 1J miles from the head of the 
river is reached, where small groups and beds will be found off 
each marshy point. About a mile from the head of the river 
are a large number of beds, some of considerable size, scattered 
over the whole bottom, from shore to shore. On the western 
shore the beds begin at the mouth of the river and entrance to 
the Straits, and are found along the marshes below Goose Creek 
and on the north shore of that estuary. These beds are, in some 
instances, quite large, in others merely small groups of oysters 
and shells. No oysters were found between Goose and Ward's 
Creeks, but they occur again as soon as the latter tributary is 
entered. From the northern entrance to Ward's Creek, all along 
the eastern shore of the river to its head, beds and scattered oys- 
ters are found, most of them being left dry at low water. Both 
the size and number of the beds increases as the head of the 
river is approached. The oysters were not generally of partic- 
ularly good quality, but in those beds that are always covered 
with water a fine grade of gtock is frequently produced. The 
currents are tidal, setting in and out of the river, but are influ- 
enced considerably by the wind. In the lower part, near the 
marshes and in the channels they are quite swift, but in the 
upper portion of the river only a sluggish set of about ^ knot 
per hour was observed. 

All along the western shore of the river are numerous oyster 
gardens, every bay and indentation beiug occupied, and in the 
extreme northern part of the river along the eastern shore is 
another assemblage of gardens. The positions of all are indi- 
cated on the maps, but the areas are somewhat exaggerated. 

Goose Greek is a bay rather than a creek, making into the 
eastern shore of North River about one-half mile above the 
Straits. The depth is from 1 to 3 feet and the bottom sticky. 
Oyster beds of considerable size lie about the points at the mouth 
and along the northern shores. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 95 

Ward's ('reek, comprising 2(59 acres, is a tributary of North 
River flowing in from the eastern shore, about halfway between 
the Straits and the head of the main stream. The depth is from 
1 to 3 feet, the bottom sticky and on the shoais of hard sand. 
The density is 1.0250. Oyster beds lie along both shores and 
at the head of the creek, in great numbers, but no licensed 
oyster gardens have been established. 

North River and its several tributaries offer an excellent field for 
raising seed oysters, but only in exceptional localites will a high 
grade of marketable stock be uniformly produced. While the 
bottom is generally good, the water 1S shoal and the specific grav- 
ity high. Of course in the mouths of the small creeks the salt- 
ness of the water is considerably reduced at times by the influx 
of fresh water; but these positions have nearly all been occupied 
and it will only be upon rare occasions that the density in the 
river itself will be reduced enough to produce an oyster of very 
high grade. A fair oyster can be grown, however, and espec- 
ially oysters for transplanting. It is only necessary to expose 
the "cultch," and the brood will be secured. 

Newport River lies on the western side of the peninsular upon 

which Beaufort is situated. The riyer is similar in general feat- 

» 
ures to North River, being long, narrow and shoal, and having 

its mouth more or less closed by marshes and sand-bars. The 
several tributary streams, however, are of more consequence than 
those in North River, Harlow Creek especially having a con- 
siderable influence upon the specific gravity of the water on 
account of the connection of the creek by the Clubfoot Canal 
with the Neuse River. The Newport River, exclusive of the 
tributaries and areas especially described, comprises 6,320 acres. 
DeptJt of water: This ranges from J foot to 10 feet, but the 
depth over the greater portion of the area is from 2 to 3 feet. A 
deep channel sweeps up past Fort Macon and the wharf at More- 
head City, and at the latter point divides, one arm passing to 
the eastward of the Newport Marshes and between them and 
Gallant's Point, and the other to the westward of the marshes 
and to the eastward of Crab Point. Both channels curve to the 



"N. 



96 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

northward and eastward, northward and northward and west- 
ward, and both come to a head at a point about opposite Core 
Creek. Between these channels and the marshes and mainland 
the contour of the bottom is very irregular, the depth ranging 
from 1 to 20 feet, and the ground being occupied by deep slues 
and holes or high sand-bars. Above Crab Point and Core Creek 
the depth is more regular, though high shoals will be found off 
most of the points, and above Mill Creek, near the head of the 
river, the greater part of the area is of similar character. 

Character of bottom: Above Mill Creek the bottom is soft, 
of mud, except in the channel, where it is hard, and nearly 
all ebbs dry. A narrow strip of grassy bottom lies along the 
northern shore. Along the southern shore to the point opposite 
Harlow Creek, sand or mud, making a hard bottom close to the 
shore, will be found. From Crab Point to the point opposite 
Harlow is a strip of sand or sand and mud 100 to 400 yards 
wide. Outside of this tract the bottom is sticky, of mud and 
sand, and covered with grass, until within 200 or 300 yards of 
the northern shore. The remainder of the river (that portion 
lying below Crab Point and Core Creek) has generally a hard 
bottom, consisting principally of sand, and with the grass dimin- 
ishing as Beaufort and the marshes is approached. 

Specifie gravity : The average density for the river and its 
tributaries is 1 .0200 ; but there is a great difference between the 
density in the upper and lower portions. At the head of the 
river the density was 1.0066 ; one mile from the head 1.0160 ; 
two miles from the head 1.0183; at the. mouth of Oyster 
Creek 1.0205; at the mouth of Core Creek 1.0216; at 
the upper end of the Newport Marshes 1 .0236 ; and at the 
railroad wharf at Morehead 1.0236. These figures indicate 
that the influence of the fresh water is much reduced as soon 
as the river turns to the southward, and the vicinity of the 
deep channels is reached. 

Oyster beds : Above Harlow Creek, large and thickly stocked 
beds are found off every point and extending nearly across the 
river in some instances. They are all dry at low water, and the 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 97 

oysters are of an inferior quality. From Harlow Creek to the 
southward there are uo heels iu the middle of the river; but 
both shores are fringed with small groups, aud about the mouths 
of the creeks these groups become considerably larger, and in 
some cases form extensive beds. A large bed which does not 
ebb dry, lies off the point at the western entrance to Harlow 
Creek, and another similar one lies on the opposite side of the 
river, somewhat higher up. Through and around the marshes 
small strips of "coon" oysters are found which have at present 
no commercial value. The oyster gardens lie on the northern 
and eastern shores as shown on trie chart. 

Harlow Greek is one of the tributaries of the Newport River, 
and comprises an area of 124 acres. The depth is from 1 to 3 
feet, the bottom soft in the middle and hard on the edges, and 
the density 1.0185. Oyster beds of considerable importance 
though of small size are found in the mouth of the creek and 
the animals are of good quality and flavor. The flow from the 
Clubfoot Canal keeps this creek at a more uniform density than 
the river or its other tributaries. 

Core Creek is the largest stream flowing into the river. Its 
area is 529 acres, aud the depth from 1 to 8 feet. The deep 
water is found about the middle, aud the shoal at either end oi 
the creek. Bell's and Eastman's Creeks are small and unim- 
portant tributaries of Core Creek. The density of the water is 
1.0220. This high specific gravity is due probably to the fact 
that the creek is directly in the line of the flow of salt water up 
the deep channels. This region is filled with oyster beds; indeed 
so numerous were they that it was found easier to locate the 
spots where they were not, than those where they were, in exist- 
ence. They will be found along the shores and, above Bell's 
Creek, all over the bottom. Several oyster gardens have been 
located on the west side of the creek, close to the mouth. 

Town Creek is a small sheet of water, making into the land 
back of Beaufort. Its area is 37 acres, the depth from A to 2 
feet, and the shores fringed with oyster beds. 

7 



98 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

Gallant's Channel and Lewis' Thoroughfare are merely chan- 
nels through the marshes. The average depth is about 6 feet, 
and the bottom hard. Oyster beds lie along Gallant's Point 
'shore, aud " coon " oysters in the marshes and about their 
edges. 

Calico Creek and Bay lie on the western side of the river, 
north of Morehead City and south and west of the Newport 
Marshes. Their area combined is 310 acres ; the depth of 
water from 1 to 3 feet, and the bottom sticky, of mud and 
sand, aud hard about the shores. The specific gravity is 
1.0231. Oyster beds are, practically, continuous all along the 
shores of the bay and over the major portion of the creek. 

I consider the Newport River and its tributaries as well 
adapted to both forms of oyster culture. In the lower portions, 
where the water, though salt, is clean and the currents strong 
(averaging 1^ knots per hour), "spat" or young oysters could 
be raised without difficulty. In the upper part of the river 
they can probably be fattened, unless the bottom should be of 
a shifting character, which is possible. Some years ago some 
person deposited on a shoal north of the Newport Marshes, a 
quantity of oyster shells, for the purpose of making a founda- 
tion for a fish house. The intention was never carried out, but 
the shells were left, and now there is a healthy oyster bed on 
the spot, and this can, in the same way, be done elsewhere in the 
river. The principal drawback, both in the Newport and North 
Rivers, will be the want of depth ; but until an experiment has 
been tried on a large scale the whole of the area must he 
accepted as suitable ground. 

Between the railroad wharf and Fort Macon and Beaufort 
and the Shackleford Banks the ground is not considered as 
adapted to oyster culture, the sands being liable to shift and the 
water too salt. 

Reviewing this section it will be seen that a portion of its 
area is adapted to one species of oyster culture, the raising 
of seed oysters, and another aud smaller portion to the improve- 
ment of the stock. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 99 

While very few persons care at present to raise seed oysters, 
there being no demand for them in this State, it, nevertheless, is 
a very important and profitable branch of oyster farming; and 
.should large tracts in Pamplico Sound ever be put under culti- 
vation, an exceedingly large demand for small, yearling oysters 
would spring up, to satisfy which would fully occupy a laro-e 
number of people and a large proportion of the area just 
described. 

It is with this in view that I have assigned, as of value, 
20,500 acres for this section. 

SECTJtDN xxv. 

Description: Begins at the east end of the railroad wharf at 
Morehead City at a point in Lat. 34° 43' 05" N., and Long. 
76° 41' 21" W., thence runs S. 29° 37' E. (true) 1J miles with 
a line to the U. S. C. S. triaugulation point known as " Fort 
Macon," in Lat. 34° 41" 41 ".6 N., and Long. 76° 40' 23".3 
W. to the intersection of said line with the shore line of Boeue 
Banks, thence to the westward with the northern shore line of 
Bogue Banks to a point at the intersection of said shore line 
with a Hue drawn from the U. S. C. S. triaugulation point known 
as " Frazier's," to the U. S. C. S. triaugulation point known as 
"Hickory Point," thence from said point of intersection, with 
the said line from " Frazier's" to "Hickory Point" to a point 
at its intersection with the shore line of the mainland in the 
Cross Stake Channel, theuce with the shore line of the main- 
land, to the eastward, to the beginning, containing, more or less, 
21,997 acres. This section includes the whole of Booue Sound 
and its tributaries. 

Depth of water: In the eastern part of the Sound the depth 
of water ranges from 1 to 12 feet, but the deep water is con- 
fined to a narrow and rather crooked channel, and the average 
depth is only from 2 to 4 feet. Numerous sand shoals, having 
only 1 and 2 feet over them, are interspersed about this region. 
About 5 miles from Morehead, the depth becomes more regular 
and from 2 to 4 feet can be found over the whole area; deeper 



100 EEPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

water, of from 3 to 5 feet, lies along the northern shore. As the 
western end of the Sound is approached the water shoals and 
only from 2 to 3 feet is found in the neighborhood of Sanders' 
Creek, Goose Creek and Piney Island. At about this point is 
the meeting place of the two tides, the one from Beaufort har- 
bor and the other from Bogue Inlet. The Sound here narrows 
considerably and the southern portion, for a space of several 
miles, is occupied by shoals, islands and marshes. Beyond this 
constriction the Sound widens again for several miles, but with 
the exception of a narrow, winding channel, some 5 to 10 feet 
in depth, the water deepens but slightly. The western entrance 
to the Sound is blocked by marshes, through which are several 
channels of from 3 to 10 feet in depth, none of which are over 
-jt- mile wide and most of them considerably less. 

Character of bottom: This is almost uniformly of sand cov- 
ered with a light stratum of mud. Off the creeks are compara- 
tively small areas of soft mud, and in the eastern portion of the 
Sound the sand is bare aud possibly shifts under the influence of 
heavy gales and strong currents. Nearly the whole bottom is 
covered with a growth of grass, more or less thick ; but in the 
deep water in the creeks, where the bottom is soft, comparatively 
little or none is found. 

Specific gravity : The average for the Sound is 1.0203, but con- 
siderable variations from that density was found in several places 
and in the creeks. On the Sally Bell Shoal, in the eastern part of 
the Sound, the density was 1.0248. Off the mouth of Broad 
Creek, near the middle of the Sound, it was 1.0204. In the mouth 
of Goose Creek 1.0204; near the head of Goose Creek 1.0199. In 
Piney Creek 1.0192. Among the islands and marshes about 
Piney Island 1.0218. In Deer Creek, at its head, the specific 
gravity was 1.0131, while at the head of the adjoining Hunting. 
Creek it was below 1.0100. In Hunting Creek 1.0134 was 
found, and at the western boundary of the section 1.0240. These 
figures show a pretty uniform specific gravity, reduced somewhat 
in certain places by the flow from the creeks. But their influence 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 101 

does not extend very far, as is shown by the general high aver- 
age prevailing in the body of the Sound. 

Oyster beds: These are confined almost entirely to the western 
portiou of the section. They are first encountered in the neigh- 
borhood of Cat Island, and from that point to the westward are 
almost continuous along the shores. About Piuey Island and 
the adjacent marshes are very large numbers of beds, some of 
which have fine oysters. Along the edges of Goose Creek are 
many small beds, and the entire upper part of that body of 
water, nearly to its head, is covered by oysters. Hunting Creek 
is also nearly an entire oyster he'd, and Deer Creek has an exceed- 
ingly large number of beds along its western shores. From 
Piney Point to the marshes at the western end of the section, 
along the southern shores of the Sound, a continuous line of small 
beds exists, extending out from 100 to 200 yards. In the marshes 
are numbers of "coon" oysters growing along the edges of the 
grass, and many small beds under water were found in the shal- 
low channels; but none were encountered in the Burthen or 
Bank Channels, nor in the Cross Stake. 

Oyster gardens have beeu established in Hoop Pole Creek 
near the east entrance to the Sound, in Gales and Broad Creeks, 
near the middle and in the bay immediately to the westward of 
Goose Creek. All oyster beds, public or private, have been 
located and defined. The currents in the deep channels at the 
eastern and western ends of the Sound are strong, reaching, at 
times, a knot an hour ; but as the middle of the Sound is 
approached and the water shoals, the velocity of the current 
decreases, and about Piney Island and the Goose Creek Shoals 
ifis practically of little consequence. 

I consider the whole of Bogue Sound and its tributaries, with the 
exception of a comparatively small area lying in the eastern portion 
and some of the bottom among the western marshes, as well 
adapted to oyster culture of one kind or another. The water is 
generally clean, the bottom hard, and the currents sufficiently 
strong. The high specific gravity, with the shoalness of the 
water, are drawbacks, but in the deep waters off the creeks and 



102 REPOKT ON OYSTEE CULTURE. 

east and west of the Goose Creek Shoals, good oysters can be 
raised. 

Early in June I placed in the upper part of Bogue Souud, 
on the Goose Creek Shoal, various " collectors," for the purpose 
of catching the "spat," or young oysters, that were presumed 
to be drifting about in the Sound. A position was purposely 
selected where there were no mature oysters in the vicinity, aud 
three forms of collectors were exposed ; one of oyster shells, one 
of brush fascines, and the other of brush stuck in the mud in 
the shape of a fence. The point selected was considered to be 
as unfavorable to success as any in the neighborhood, there being 
little or no current aud soft, muddy bottom, covered with grass. 
Time did not permit the arrangement of the brush or fascines 
in the most advantageous manner, nor the deposit of a suffi- 
ciently large number of shells. Altogether, the failure of the 
experiment could be easily accounted for in several ways, while 
its success, should it be successful, would conclusively prove that 
the exposure of collectors, even in the most unfavorable places, 
would be attended with beneficial results. The collectors were 
visited during the first week in August and the following obser=^ 
vations made : The shells which had been strewn on the bottom 
were covered with sediment and had secured no oysters ; a large 
number of " slipper shells " (crepidula plana and crepidula fomi- 
cata) were found, however. The brush which had been stuck 
in the mud so as to form a species of fence had caught nothing, 
and was covered with sediment. The fascines (bundles or fagots 
of brush and twigs) had, however, secured a number of young 
oysters and also a very large number of crepidula and balanus, or 
the common barnacle. The young oysters had attached in 
greatest number about the large ends of the twigs where there 
were no leaves to collect sediment or slime; and as we found a 
number also on the few dead leaves remaining, I am of the 
opinion that the leaves on the twigs managed to secure most of 
the spat and then rotted off. The leaves also prevented that 
free circulation of the water which would be necessary for clean- 
liness, as well as directly preventing the access of the young 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 103 

oysters to the twigs. I am also of the opinion that all the col- 
lectors were expose;! too early in the season, thus allowing- them 
to bedome foul before the advent of the young brood. A 
re-examination of these collectors was made abmit the last of 
November with most gratifying results. On two of the brush 
fagots or fascines were counted 365 young oysters of from one- 
sixteenth of an inch to two inches in diameter, and, as the count 
was a hurried one, probably the actual number attached was 
much larger. It must be remembered that these collectors were 
purposely exposed in the most unfavorable position ; that no 
mature spawn-bearing oysters* were deposited with them, and 
that the collectors themselves were rudely fashioned, and that 
the experiment was not expected to prove anything but that what 
was regarded as highly unfavorable ground could be made pro- 
ductive at slight expense. Considering this, a very high measure 
of success has been achieved, and the ability to grow cheaply 
and in large numbers young oysters in Bogue Sound is now a 
settled fact. Specimens of these oysters are now at the Agri- 
cultural Department. 

In view of the success of the experiment just described, and of 
the generally high character that the Bogue Sound oyster, especi- 
ally those growing about Piney Island bears, I have no hesitancy in 
reasserting my original estimate of the area in the Sound adapted 
to oyster culture, which was 15,000 acres. Of this 607 acres are 
occupied by natural beds, leaving 14,400 acres to be developed. 

The remaining sections have not yet been examined, or only 
partially so. The upper part of the White Oak River has been 
surveyed and New River is in process of examination. The 
description of those regions will, therefore, for the present, be 
deferred. The following are the boundaries which have been 
provisionally decided upon for the remaining sections : 

SECTION XXVI. 

Includes all waters suitable for the growth of shell fish which 
lie between a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation 



104 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

point known as " Frazier's," to the U. S. C. S. triaugulation 
point known as " Hickory Point," and a line drawn from the 
U. S. C. S. triaugulation point known as " Frank " and the 
U. S. C. S. triangulation point known as " Broom." 

This latter line lies half way between New River and Brown's 
Inlet. 

SECTION XXVII. 

Includes all waters suitable for the growth of shell fish which 
lie between a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point " Broom " to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point 
" Frank," and a line drawn from the U. S. C S. triangu- 
lation point , " Stump Inlet" to the U. S. C. S. triangulation 
point " Abert." 

This section includes New River and Stump Sound. 

SECTION XXVIII. 

Includes all waters suitable for the growth of shell fish which 
lie between a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triaugulation point 
"Abert" to the U. S. C. S. triangulation point "Stump Inlet," 
and a line drawn from the U. S. C. S. triangulation point "Com- 
pass" to the U. S. C. S. triaugulation point " Lake." 

This section includes Topsail, Middle, Masonboro and Myrtle 
Sounds. 

SECTION XXIX. 

Includes all waters suitable for the growth of shell-fish which 
lie west or south of the line drawn between the U. S. C. S. tri- 
augulation points "Compass" aud "Lake." 

This section includes the ground at the mouth of the Cape 
Fear River, and of the various Sounds and inlets to the west- 
ward as far as the State line. 

SUMMARY. 

In the foregoing pages each section, and so far as possible each 
locality has been described as minutely as the limits of this report 
and the information at my command has permitted. The fol- 
lowing table presents the principal results of the investigation 
in a form convenient for reference: 



REPORT ox OYSTER CULTURE. 



105 



- 5 5 

< 2 * 



> a fe fe 



qsa.ijoooo'1) 

AXIAVHO OIJ 

-ioads aovHaAV 




„. » ■ GD 

a S § w 
a & § a 



si* 



/- 



s _ 

— T3 

si aa 



5;= = 5 ~ 5 i 

T3 T3T3T3T3T3 
G C = £ Q Z 

cS r: - os ci c; 
x x x v. x x 



: c = c g a 

: 05 cS eg c. CS 

: W 

:~ ~ ~~ 
; a a a a 
• c a s cs 
■' X x x -x 



■o c 



H S«H HISNHW ~ -1 71 -1 



OOH-?H.^ 



x M MCMH 



-* X X>X3 r>l N CO C-l • Tl ?J - 

t-i i-'S r-t : 



^ -• 7-' V JS *' '," X : i '" DNOI 



■ X Jr~-* : -r ;i N : 



?• 3 i2 3 1' iZ IJ ~ :: 1' •* : £■ S x x x r. • •-: x -i -i r 

= = = =oqqoSScqq§§S88S i88oo§ 



ra N ' ~l ic 






300050COQOOOO»COOiH 

* r- i* :i x ~i ~. r: t- i-f i- ro~ x' af^' -- r 

i is-»»:h:.:-m-; :: -i — ff 



OOOOflOOSooCfflHOO^OOOOQC 

" -,- -;., x . ?? ~ .^ ._ ^ — ^ 

: :? rt i-^ S x' x'rP cT — ~ 



x^ x^ ? l^ x^ ~^ : : -p :o ~ r; " c t— 
~f— ^ ~r cT r-T i -"rrx"^f — rrTr-Tirf 



'i 71 ?i :: ri -m 



: h- 1- it ^ C X ■# C m r x '- x ?? io go -* en 
— :•: i- - i- r: — r„ - 



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co ir: I-:' rf — '._;' :-'— "rf ~~Si~\r' ' — " c -* x~ x~ u-~ o" k~ cTx'-fT- 



-r -^ r* 00 :T T. -f tr c rr l~ — ~l CO ^R CO CC — IC — ■ - 




106 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

It will be observed that of the entire area, 1,316,997 acres, 
examined (which includes all the waters north of the White 
Oak River), 806,968 acres are of possible and 697,515 acres of 
probable value for oyster culture. Of course some portions of 
this latter area are superior to others ; but so far as it is possible 
to determine by investigation unaccompanied by experiment, 
oysters can be raised on the whole. Experiments could be made, 
but they would require considerable time, and entail a much 
greater expense than it is desirable to incur, and, therefore, except 
in a few instances, it has been considered best to leave to the 
enterprise of individuals the application of the final tests. 

All that any expert investigation can accomplish is to deter- 
mine the probabilities. The farmer can say whether or not a 
piece of land is good for cotton, corn or tobacco, and the geolo- 
gist can give information as to possible or probable veins of 
ore lying under that land. The former judges by the character 
of the soil, and the latter by the geological formations; but 
neither" can speak positively until crops have been raised, or 
shafts sunk and veins exposed. In the same way it is impossible 
for any one to decide positively that oysters can be grown profit- 
ably on any particular area until the experiment has been made. 
But by studying the various conditions existing in any locality, 
and through a knowledge of the extent of their influence upon 
the life of an oyster, or an oyster bed, an approximation, more 
or less close, to a definite and absolute decision may be reached; 
and that is all that is claimed for the conclusions as to the 
oyster ground contained in the foregoing pages and table. 

It will be observed that only about 1| per cent, of the available 
ground has been utilized by nature. Adding to the area of the 
natural beds, 10,166 acres, that of the artificial beds, 2,000 acres, 
the total is in round numbers but 12,000 acres; a very small 
portion of the vast expanse suitable for oyster growing. It 
must be remembered that the areas given for the natural beds 
are in excess of the truth, and that many of the artificial beds 
are beds only in name, the ground having been designated but 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 107 

not improved. Consequently the above figures represent the 
maximum area now productive, and this i.s not 2 percent, of the 
area that could and should be made to yield a harvest, but which 
is now entirely barren. 

The location of the various natural and artificial beds having 
been stated and the results of the general examination of the 
waters of the State having been made known, the immediate ends 
of the investigation have been attained. A general discussion 
of the whole will, however, assist those interested in the oyster 
question in arriving at just conclusions as to the course which 
should be adopted for the protection and expansion of the in- 
dustry. 

It will be seen by the table that the natural beds of the 
State comprise some 10,000 acres. These beds produced in 1880, 
according to the U. S. census, 170,000 bushels of oysters, valued 
at $60,000, and afforded employment for 1,020 persons, and 
$68,500 of capital. The yield of the beds was therefore about 
17 bushels per acre, and the value of the ground in gross income, 
$6 per acre. As a considerable portion of the area of the oyster 
beds is non-productive at present, either on account of the infe- 
riority of the oysters or want of a market for the particular 
grade of stock they supply, those grounds that are worked must 
be yielding somewhat more than 17 bushels per acre; but allow- 
ing a margin of 50 per cent, for non-productive areas, only 34 
bushels per acre are secured. According to the report of the 
Maryland Oyster Commission, the beds of that State comprise 
an area of 123,520 acres, and the census gives their product as 
10,600,000 bushels, or an average of 87 bushels per acre. In 
1880, the Maryland oyster beds were already in a much impaired 
condition, and consequently they produce much less than a nat- 
ural bed in a normal condition ; but comparing the average yield 
of the Maryland beds with that of the North Carolina areas, 
a difference of 53 bushels per acre is shown in favor of Mary- 
land. Either one of two conclusions can be drawn from this 
comparison; the fishing in Maryland is more systematic and 
thorough, or the beds of North Carolina yield much less for the 
same exertion. Naturally they are more productive, as they lie 



108 REPORT ON OY.STER CULTURE. 

in shoaler water and the oysters are more easily obtained ; there- 
fore, if other indications point in the same direction, the evidence 
as to the proportionately small product must be accepted as addi- 
tional proof that the beds have deteriorated. 

Such additional proof is not wanting. All oystermen encoun- 
tered have expressed the opinion that the beds were by no means 
in as good condition as in the past, and invariably the cause has 
been stated to be over-fishery. In addition nearly all the beds 
examined have shown an undue proportion of empty and broken 
shells aud a corresponding poverty of oysters. This is certainly 
not due to the ravages of enemies, as none of any consequence have 
been found. In the upper part of Pamplico Sound are many areas 
that have suffered either from a deposit of sediment or from the 
action of fresh water, aud in a few other localities are beds in 
shoal water that have been damaged by ice, but with these 
exceptions there is no evidence of any deleterious natural influ- 
ence having been at work. Remaining then is the influence of 
the fishery. 

While the evidence of the fishermen as to the effect of the 
fishery is in a measure conclusive, it will be of advantage 
to examine the experience of other localities for testimony as 
to the results of unrestricted working of oyster beds. Eight 
years ago I had occasion to review the history of those localities 
when making an investigation of the Chesapeake oyster area, 
and a few marked instances of the effect of over-fishery, which 
were then collected, are here reproduced. 

The most instructive are the records of Cancale Bay, on the 
northwest coast of France, which extend over a period of sixty- 
eight years, from 1800 to 1868. The beds in the bay comprise an 
area of about 150 acres, and from 1800 to 1816 produced from 
400,000 to 2,400,000 oysters a year. This, however, was the 
period of the Napoleonic wars, and the fishing was much disturbed 
by the presence of the English cruisers. During this time the 
beds became so thickly stocked that the oysters were, in some 
places, a yard thick. After the close of the war the fishing im- 
proved and the oysters were removed in larger and increasing 
numbers until 1843. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 109 

From 1823 to 1848 it is supposed that the dredgers were 
living upon the oysters accumulated during the period of en- 
forced rest, from 1800 to 1816. In 1817 the number of 
oysters produced was 5,600,000, and until 1843 there was a con- 
stant increase, the number taken in the latter year being 70,000,- 
000. In 1848 it was 60,000,000; thence forward there was a 
constant decrease. From 1850 to 1856 the decrease was from 
50,000,000 to 18,000,000, supposed to be' the effect of over- 
dredging. From 1859 to 1868 the decrease was from 16,000,- 
000 to 1,079,000, the oysters having almost entirely disappeared 
from the beds, though on accoynt of the suffering condition of 
the inhabitants of the shores it was almost impossible to prevent 
it. In 1870 there was a complete wreck of the bottom, which 
could only be remedied by a total prohibition of the fisheries 
for several years. 

" From the beds of the districts of Rochefort, Marennes and 
Island of Oleron, on the west coast of France, there were taken 
in 1853-'54, 10,000,000 oysters and in 1854-'55, 15,000,000. 
On account of exhaustive fishing, in 1863-64 only 400,000 
could be obtained. 

" According to the testimony of Mr. Webber, Mayor of Fal- 
mouth, England, about 700 men, working 300 boats, were em- 
ployed in a profitable oyster fishery in the neighborhood of Fal- 
mouth until 1866, when the old laws enforcing a ' close time ' 
were repealed, under an impression that, owing to the great 
productive powers of the oyster, it would be impossible to 
remove a sufficient number to prevent the re-stocking of the 
beds. Since 1866 the beds have become so impoverished from 
excessive and continued fishing that in 1876 only 40 men and 
40 boats could find employment, and small as the number is, 
they could not take more than 60 or 100 oysters a day, while 
formerly, in the same time, a boat could take from 10,000 to 
12,000. 

"According to the statement of Mr. Messum, an oyster dealer 
and secretary of an oyster company at Emsworth, England, 
made before the Commission for the Investigation of Oyster 



110 REPORT OX OYSTER CULTURE. 

Fisheries, in ]NIay 1876, there were in the harbor of Emsworth, 
between the years of 1810 and 1850, so many oysters that one 
man in five hours could take from 24,000 to 32,000. In con- 
sequence of overfishing, in 1858 scarcely ten vessels could 
find loads, and in 1S68 a dredger in Jive hours could not find 
more than twenty oysters. 

"The oyster fisheries of Jersey, in the English Channel, 
afforded employment to 400 vessels. In six or seven years the 
dredging became so exteusive and the beds so exhausted that 
only three or four vessels could find employment, and the crews 
of even that small number had to do additional work on shore 
in order to support themselves. 

" Ingersoll states that in the early days of our history, it was 
not uncommon for a man to- rake up a sleigh load of oysters 
through the ice in a single afternoon at Shediac, New Bruns- 
wick. Twenty-five or thirty years ago these beds yielded 1,000 
barrels a year, and now two persons gain a scanty living upon 
them, and obtain between them about 200 bushels a year.'" — 
[Report Maryland, Oyster 

'' In 1876 a fisherman says that in two years over 4.000 
barrels of oysters were taken away from the beds at Betlamin, 
in New Brunswick, by ships and schooners which bought their 
cargoes from the small, raking boats upon the beds. At this 
time the oysters were distributed everywhere over the harbor so 
thickly that every square foot seemed to be occupied, and the 
beds swarmed with small boats, each operated by two men. 
Four years later, in 1880, the oysters were almost exterminated." 
{Report Maryland Oyster Commission.) 

" Old men still remember when rich beds were to be found in 
Hillsborough Bay, in Xew Brunswick. The oysters were so 
abundant that they seemed inexhaustible, and a tonging boat 
could take eight bushels an hour. They have been almost en- 
tirelv destroved by tongas alone and thev now vield onlv a few 
bushels a year." — [Report Maryland Oyster Commission). 

" The early settlers of New England continually refer to the 
abundance of oysters at points where not a single oyster can now 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. Ill 

be found. In 1634, William Wood, in a work on Xew Eng- 
land, speaks of a great oyster bank in Ihe Charles River, near 
Boston, and another in the Mystic River, each of such size as to 
obstruct navigation. The oysters were long, slender " coon " oys- 
ters, which are still to he found in our own waters on undisturbed 
natural beds. Of their' size and form he says: 'They be great 
ones, in form of a shoe-home j some be a foot long. These 
breed on certain banks that are bare every spring-tide. This fish, 
without shell, is so big that it must admit of a division before 
you can well get it into your mouth.' The oyster beds in those 
two rivers are spoken of by many of the early writers, but they 
are now gone so completely that there is no tradition to mark 
the place, where in 1634, according to Wood, 'the oyster bankes 
dobarreout the bigger ships.'" — [Report Maryland Oyster Com- 
mission.) 

"Native oysters were abundant at Wellfleet, on Cape Cod, at 
the time of the first white settlements, and for more than a hun- 
dred years the town was famous tor its oysters, but they became 
extinct in 1775, through excessive tongiug." — (Report Maryland 
Oyster Com mission.) 

"The oyster beds of Rhode Island were long ago so depleted 
that they have long ceased to be of any value as a somce of food, 
and. there is now only one river in the State where seed oysters 
for planting can be procured in any quantity." — (Report Mary- 
land Oyster Commission.) 

The natural beds of Connecticut, New York, Xew Jersey, 
Delaware, Maryland and Virginia have all been much impaired 
bv excessive fishery, and the records show that this impairment 
is likely to continue until it results in complete destruction. 

The conclusions of the Maryland Oyster Commission on this 
subject are so valuable and pertinent that they appropriately close 
the testimony of the past. 

"No one who is familiar with the history of the oyster beds 
of other parts of the world can be surprised at the deterioration of 
our own beds. Everywhere, in France, in Germany, in England, 
in Canada, and in all northern coast States, history tells the same 



112 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

story. Iii all waters where the oysters are found at all, they are 
usually found in abundance, and in all these places the residents 
supposed that their natural beds were inexhaustible, until they 
suddenly found that they were exhausted. The immense area 
covered by our own beds has enabled them to withstand the 
attacks of the oystermen for a much longer time, but all who 
are familiar with the subject have long been aware that our pres- 
ent system can have only one result — extermination." — [Report 
Maryland Oyster Commission.) 

Reviewing the testimony, there can be no doubt that the beds of 
North Carolina, if they continue to be exposed to an unrestricted 
fishery and obtain no measure of relief, will share the universal 
fate and be destroyed. 

The beds being in not only an impaired condition at present, 
but threatened with complete destruction in the future, so:.. 
remedy must be applied which will counteract the destructive 
influence. This may be accomplished by restricting the fishery, 
or by endeavoring to increase the number of oysters in the beds. 
To restrict the fishery will in effect deprive many of the poorer 
class of people of a portion of their subsistence and means of 
livelihood ; nor is it necessary, except in extreme cases, to do so. 
It must be remembered that the root of the evil is that the 
demand has outgrown the supply ; and so long as that continues, 
restrictive measures will not only be very difficult to enforce (as 
the periodic oyster war in the Chesapeake bears witness), but will 
cause an increase in the price of a desirable and nutritious arti- 
cle of food. 

Restriction, except in special cases, is then, not a practicable 
or desirable remedy. The other alternative is to strike at the 
root and endeavor to increase the supply ; and this can be done 
only by the cultivation of additional areas which are now unpro- 
ductive. A feeble effort has been made in this direction under 
the authority of those sections of the Code which permit 
individuals to cultivate tracts of bottom. The laws relating to 
this subject and to oysters generally are given in appendix B, 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 113 

ami the following is a brief synopsis of those sections govern- 
ing the cultivation of oysters and the preemption of bottoms : 

Section 3390 provides that any inhabitant of the State' may- 
have not more than ten acres of bottom, provided he first obtains 
a license from the Clerk of the Superior Court, stakes out the 
ground with substantial- stakes, and has not more than one such 
bed in a couuty ; and provided, also, that the riparian rights of 
owners of adjacent lands shall not be affected, nor any natural 
clam or oyster bed be enclosed nor navigation be obstructed. 

Section 3391 authorizes the Clerk of the Superior Court, in 
his discretion, to grant licenses. 

Section 3392 authorizes the County Commissioners, in their 
discretion, to make surveys of the private beds or gardens, and 
declares any owner who is found to have more than tea acres, or 
any natural bed enclosed, to have forfeited all rights in the 
premises, and the same penalty is provided should the owner fail 
for two years to use his bed or garden or keep up his stakes. 

Section 3393 provides for the punishment of depredators 
upon the private beds or gardens. 

These provisions are defective and inadequate in the following 
particulars: 

1st. The grants are confined to inhabitants of the State, the 
impression being that the area of suitable and desirable ground is 
limited, while on the contrary it is practically unlimited, our 
investigation having shown some 700,000 acres as available. 

2d. The tracts which may be taken up are coufined to ten 
acres. This is due to the same impression as to the limited area 
of suitable ground. It is unwise,. as success in raising and cul- 
vating oysters is as dependent upon the fundamental laws of 
political economy as any other business, and no business has ever 
been known to succeed when there was no hope of expansion,, 
stimulus to exertion or gratification to ambition. Neither has 
any enterprise a chance of success or of becoming of great im- 
portance, when it neither claims nor receives the unremitting and 
undivided attention of those engaged in it. Exclusive attention 
cannot be given to so small an area as ten acres. The results 
8 



114 REPORT OX OYSTER CULTURE. 

would not justify it. In fact, if the owner relied upon such a 
lot alone for his livelihood he would probably starve; and indeed, 
no one does do so; the business, if it can be called one, of rais- 
ing oysters being merely adjunctory to other pursuits, and men 
keeping oyster "gardens," as they do kitchen gardens, and oys- 
ters as they do a few pigs, almost entirely to supply their own 
tables. Evidently the oyster interest has no more to hope from 
such a state of things than agriculture has from the kitchen 
garden. 

3d. The provision allowing each person but one bed is unjust. 
Circumstances or location enables one man to take his full ten 
acres in a lot and another but two acres; but the law allows but 
one lot, which shall not exceed ten acres, and thus some men 
obtain more than others. 

4th. The provision protecting the natural beds is right and 
proper, but it works disadvantageously on account of the use of 
a general instead of a specific description of the areas it is desired 
to protect. As explained in the first pages of this report, there 
is great difference of opinion as to what constitutes a natural 
oyster bed, and so long as no legal and exact definition exists to 
govern those desirous of establishing artificial beds, more or less 
insecurity must be felt. 

5th. The provision granting to the Clerk of the Superior 
Court discretionary power to issue licenses has no foundation 
in justice. It opens the door to favoritism and partiality, and 
it is particularly to the credit of the Clerks of the Courts of the 
several seaboard counties, that they have not taken advantage of 
the provision to forward ends other than those of a public 
nature. 

6th. The provision giving the County Commissioners discre- 
tionary power to make surveys is also a disadvantage. Unless 
the Commissioners choose to act there is no means of determin- 
ing whether the law has been complied with or not. 

7th. The absence of a requirement that lots shall be surveyed 
and located with reference to some well defined and permanent 
landmark before the issuance of the license, will sooner or later 
ause confusion of titles and needless litigation. At present 



REPORT OX OYSTER CULTURE. 115 

■many clerks require surveys to accompany the applications for 
licenses; but these surveys are rude in the extreme and it is the 
exception and not the rule when they plot. In many cases the 
description of the lot is radically in error, in one case the metes 
and bounds given being, practically, one straight line; and this 
lot is supposed to contain 10 acres. In numbers of instances 
no description at all is given beyond the statement that the lot 
lies in such and such a creek or bay and contains 10 acres. 
How the area of the lot was determined is impossible to conceive. 
Many lots are said to begin at a " point," or " opposite a house" 
or " wharf;" but the general description is, that the lot " begins 
at a stake." A stake is a perishable object and frequently dis- 
appears; in such case the owner sets up another, sometimes in 
the same place and sometimes not ; but there is nothing to prevent 
his taking up an entirely newarea or infringing upon other lots; 
and nothing to protect him from similar infringement upon his 
own. 

Two examples of characteristic surveys are quoted: "Begins 
at a stake running N. 66° W., 30 poles, thence S. 66° E., to the 
shore, thence with the various courses to the beginning, con- 
taining 10 acres." 

The two courses given here are one and the same, and the 
description is utter nonsense. 

"This is a 'plan of an oyster bed laid off for , in 

creek, in said county, on Hunting Quarters, containing ten acres 

on the east side of said creek, adjoining the lands of said ." 

A rough sketch, without courses or distances, accompanies this 
description, and naturally no plot can be made nor its area 
determined. 

It will be observed that the law requires good and substan- 
tial stakes to be maintained, and also that free navigation shall 
not be interfered with. But stakes of the description required 
do interfere, to some extent, with navigation by small boats 
and their maintenance is, in some localities, a source of com- 
plaint. 

Reviewing the several provisions of the statutes it will be 
seen that the Clerk of the Court may or may not grant a 



116 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

license, at his discretion. That he who obtains a license for ten 
acres may take more than that amonnt, and that there is no 
method of detecting his appropriation of extra ground unless 
the County Commissioners should choose to exercise their pow- 
ers aud cause a survey to be made. That those who have hon- 
estly taken up nothing more than the law allows are constantly 
in danger of losing the fruits of their labor, through inaccurate 
surveys, or through the presence in the area of something or 
some spot which some person may choose to consider a natural 
bed and which, for all the owner knows, may be one within the 
meaning of the law. 

Supposing that the cultivator of the ground has observed the 
law and has managed to preserve his property, he is confronted 
on his death bed with more or less inability to dispose of the 
ground. The license is good in him and his assigns — but if his 
children are already in possession of lots they cannot maintain 
their title to any additional areas they may inherit ; nor can neigh- 
bors or others purchase if they happen to have attempted oyster 
cultivation, and as already explained the lots are too small to 
induce cultivation by any but those living conveniently near 
them. Thus through the provisions of an act intended to foster 
the growth of shell-fish, and at the same time prevent a monop- 
oly of the ground, the growth of the industry has been checked, 
its profits rendered hazardous and a most rigid monopoly vested 
in a few people living near the water fronts. 

Naturally conditions such as these must awaken discontent, 
not only among those who work on the natural beds, but among 
that better and more influential class who have made some effort 
to improve such ground as they could legally hold. Laboring 
under insecurity of title, open to depredation under guise of law, 
and confined to areas so small as to hardly repay the attention 
given them, it is surprising that even 250 persons should have 
had the courage to enter the business. And, in fact, the only 
cases where a real success has been achieved, is where at least 
three or four lots, containing, ostensibly, ten acres each, are held 
in the same family and the property secured by a gun. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 117 

Appendix A contains a list of die owners of oyster gardens 
and the area, as far as can be determined, of each lot. 

It has been shown that the natural beds ran only be ade- 
quately protected by the enlargement of the present productive 
oyster area ; but it is also eminent ly advisable that that area should 
be enlarged for other reasons. It has been shown that not two 
per cent, of the ground has been utilized, the remaining ninety- 
eight per cent, being utterly barren, and certainly, if any portion 
of this enormous, unproductive area can be made to yield oysters, 
a great benefit will be conferred upon the country at large, the 
State in general, and the eastern section in particular. 

Referring to the census returns it will be seen that the oyster 
industry of the United States is worth in its products three times as 
much as the cod fishery, four times as much as the salmon fishery, 
four times as much as the whale fishery, six times as much as the 
menhaden fishery, over ten times as much as the shad and ale- 
wife fishery together, and fully as much as all the other fisheries 
of the country. It employs 52,805 persons and $10,583,295 of 
capital, and produces 22,195,370 bushels of oysters, valued at 
$13,438,852. The preservation of such an industry is of far 
more than local importance, and the fact is recognized by the 
general government, as is shown by the very substantial aid 
which has been afforded the State in making these investigations. 

Of the enormous capital engaged in the business, North Caro- 
lina contributed not even one per cent.; of the thousands of 
people employed, only two per cent, are of this State, and of the 
$13,438,000 of products, less than one-half of one per cent, 
came from an area capable of producing an amount equal to if 
not exceeding that of the whole country. Certainly such a con- 
dition of things not only needs a remedy, but should have it 
applied immediately. 

According to my own observations and study of the ques- 
tion, the great oyster beds of the Chesapeake Bay are fail- 
ing, more or less, rapidly; and in this opinion I am sup- 
ported by every one who is entitled to speak authoritatively 
on the subject. The Maryland Oyster Commission was com- 
posed of such eminent men as Dr. W. K. Brooks, a member of 



118 REPOET ON OYSTEE CULTUEE. 

the National Academy of Sciences and a professor of Zoology at 
the Johns Hopkins University, and Captain J. I. Waddell, 
who was, at the time of his death, Commander of the Maryland 
Oyster Police; and this Commission in a voluminous, exhaustive 
and exceedingly able report to the Maryland Legislature directly 
confirms prophecies made by myself several years before. As 
the result of careful examinations, admitting of no question, 
that report states that the Maryland beds had fallen off 39 per 
cent, in three years. And again (I quote directly): 

" Your commissioners have no desire to create a sensational 
effect, but the accompanying table, which is compiled entirely 
from the facts which they have observed for themselves by per- 
sonal examination of all the beds, must speak for itself. It is 
the most trustworthy evidence which we have been able to obtain,, 
and it certainly justifies the widespread belief that the oyster 
property of the State is in imminent danger of complete destruc- 
tion (the italics are mine) unless radical changes in the methods 
of managing the beds are made at once. 

" This evidence (of the table) in connection with that which 
has been given in table one, seems to prove that the whole oyster 
area of our State is being rapidly exhausted." 

In a paper read before the convention of fishermen of this State 
at the time of the Exposition, Dr. Brooks says : "The near-sighted 
policy which the States of Maryland and Virginia have pur- 
sued is rapidly leading to the extermination of their natural sup- 
ply, and the demand for oysters from all parts of our rapidly 
growing country must be met in some way." 

The lower part of the Chesapeake has also suffered greatly, 
though we have no such accurate and intelligent investigation of 
the state of affairs there as in Maryland. The fact, however, is 
generally admitted that the Chesapeake beds are failing, and 
that no measures at all likely to secure, a recuperation have been 
adopted. The effect of a failure of the Chesapeake industry 
will, necessarily, be enormous. From that region comes 80 per 
cent, of the entire oyster crop ; over 39,000 persons and 
$7,000,000 of capital are employed ; many of these people and 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 119 

much of this capital will be left in idleness as the supply dimin- 
ishes, and, if the opportunity is offered, there is no reason to 
doubt that a large proportion of both money and persons will 
find a resting place in the eastern section of this State. Indeed, 
already are many inquiries made and much interest manifested 
in the probable course of North Carolina in relation to its oyster 
industry. Here then is indicated not only the advisability of 
extending the present area of oyster ground, but the necessity of 
taking action at once. -In the words of Dr. Brooks on this 
very subject, " I therefore wish to impress upon you the fact 
that now is the opportunity which may never come again." 

Recognizing the advisability, if not the necessity, the question 
is how to bring about the desired end. My opinion on this sub- 
ject was formed many years ago and has been urged persistently 
ever since its formation. The course of events and recent expe- 
riences have confirmed rather than disturbed that opinion, and I 
unhesitatingly assert that an improvement of the oyster indus- 
try, an extension of the productive oyster area and increased 
prosperity of those in any way connected with the business can 
only be accomplished by granting indefeasible, proprietary 
rights to those who embark capital, energy and intelligence in 
these enterprises. I have no desire, however, to speak ex-cathe- 
dra, and I quote from various publications relating to oyster 
growing localities in order that every reader may judge for him- 
self as to the correctness of my conclusions. 

In 1858 M. Coste, an eminent French scientist, began the 
replenishing of the exhausted beds on the coast of France. His 
methods were entirely similar to those adopted by myself in 
making the experiments in Bogue and Pamplico Sounds. Shells 
and bundles of twigs were exposed for the attachment of the 
young oysters; and like my own experiments, the operation was 
entirely successful. Farms were then established and an area 
of 1,000 acres of land restocked. In 1863, on only one half of 
this restocked ground, 16,000,000 oysters were taken during six 
low tides, and land ceded by the government and similarly 
handled produced like, if not greater results. 



120 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

In a report to the Minister of Marine, on the Condition of 
Oyster Culture, made by M. de Bon, in 1875, he says: "Private 
industry followed the impulse given by the State. On the coasts 
of Normandy and Brittany, on those extending from the Loire 
to the Gironde and in the basin of Arcachon, concessions were 
solicited from the Minister of Marine; oyster parks were estab- 
lished, and the people engaged with eagerness in experiments 
at artificial reproduction. Capitalists intrusted their funds to 
enterprises of this kind, conceived on a grand scale. The suc- 
cess in several localities was very marked. In the beginning of 
1861, M. Coste ******* state( j t jj at the bay 
of Saint-Brieuc, where the first experiments had been made,' 
could immediately furnish a harvest of several millions of mark- 
etable oysters; that the coasts of the Island of Re had been con- 
verted into a vast and richly stocked oyster bed ; that the basin 
of Arcachon promised a harvest of incalculable richness; that in 
the roadsteads of Brest and Toulon the success attained, although 
less pronounced, was still of a nature to justify the most sanguine 
hopes," &c, &c. In another part of his report, M. de Bon says : 
"Requests for concessions of parks are being received by the 
Minister of Marine from all quarters of the coast. Attempts are 
being made to reconstruct old and abandoned establishments, 
while new ones are being started in the majority of localities 
where others formerly existed." In another part of this same 
report M. de Bon states that at Arcachon, in 1871, the parks 
(oyster grounds) controlled by private parties numbered 724 and 
occupied 1,450 acres. In 1872 they numbered 1,133 and occu- 
pied 2,625 acres, and in 1874 the number had risen to 1,706 and 
the acreage to 4,310. In 1875 there were 6,625 acres under cul- 
tivation. 

In England private individuals or companies have generally 
been successful in cultivating oysters, and have both extended the 
area and increased the supply. I regret that I have not at hand 
the statistics of the operations along the English coast, as the 
success of the Whitstable and South of England companies is 
most instructive, and the Dutch and Italian experiences are 
equally valuable. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 121 

I have quoted already some of the records of foreign oyster 
fisheries to show how destructive had been the influence of exces- 
sive fishery. But notwithstanding the almost complete annihila- 
tion of the foreign beds, Mr. G. Brown Goode, Assistant Director 
of the National Museum and United States Commissioner at the 
London Fishermen's Exhibition, says that the European oyster 
crop is over 2,170,000,000 oysters. But he also says that 2,000,- 
000,000 of this product is produced by private artificial beds. 

Turning to our own country, we have still more remarkable 
instances of the effect of permitting private enterprise to enter 
in this field. As already stated,* there is not a State north of 
this that has not seen the impairment or destruction of its oyster 
industry; but, so far, only two States have recognized that to 
secure recuperation that most powerful of motives, self-interest, 
must be called iuto action. As might be supposed, those States 
are Rhode Island and Connecticut, already proverbial for their 
shrewdness. 

In 1865 Rhode Island adopted a law which practically allowed 
individuals to take up unlimited tracts of bottom and secured to 
them its possession. The effect of this measure has been unqual- 
ifiedly good, and I quote from the Report of the Maryland 
Oyster Commission some of the principal results which have 
followed upon this sensible action of the State: 

" The price of oysters has decreased, and the supply has 
become so abundant that only one-tenth are needed for the home 
market, and nine-tenths of the annual supply is sold outside the 
State. 

"In 1865, oysters sold for $1.75 per solid gallon; in 1878 the 
price was $1.15 to $1.10, and in 1879 it had fallen to 90(a<95 
cents. 

"In 1865 the product of the State .was 71,894 bushels, while 
in 1879 it was 660,500 bushels. 

"The area which was used for planting in 1879 was only 
962 acres, yet this area paid $6,582.90 into the State Treasury; 
it employed a capital of over $1,000,000; it paid $125,000 in 
wages to the people of the State; it furnished the market with 



122 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 



660,500 bushels of oysters, worth $680,500, to the producers, 
aud it gave support to 2,400 persons. 

" The following table gives the revenue of the State from the 
rent of the beds for each year, from 1865, when the present 
method was adopted, up to 1878, and also in 1882 and in 1883: 

737.32 



-LV\JU, 

1866, 








661.27 


1867, 






. 


1,568.50 


1868, 


• • 




. 


1,814.40 


1869, 


. 






1,946.15 


1870, 
1871, 


■ 




■ 


1,527.65 
2,186.63 


1872, 






. 


2,772.95 


1873, 


, 




. 


4,483.88 


1874, 






. 


4,997.05 


1875, 
1876, 






• 


5,276.00 
5,300.00 


1877, 


, . 




. 


6,045.25 


1878, 


, 




. 


6,582.90 


1882, 
1883, 


• 




• 


9,741.00 
11,000.00 



The area of available ground is comparatively small in Rhode 
Island and is of unusually good quality. Therefore lots com- 
mand much higher prices than elsewhere. But notwithstand-. 
ing the large sum asked for the franchises they are eagerly sought 
and the artificial beds are constantly, though slowly, increasing. 

The experience of Connecticut is still more instructive, and 
the results obtained are of even greater value. Previous to 
1881 Connecticut's oyster policy was similar to that of this State, 
and, in fact, to that of every State in the Union. The natural 
beds, comprising an area of about 5,000 acres, were held as com- 
mon property and were open to all, as they still are; and, follow- 
ing the universal experience, the natural beds were soon, either 
much impaired or completely destroyed. A rude system of 
cultivation, more advanced, however, than any in the country at 
that time, was carried on under the provisions of a law grant- 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 123 

ing to each member of a family two acres of oyster bottom. 
The ground in the creeks and rivers was soon occupied, and 
Lieut, de Broca, an officer of the French navy, who was ordered 
to investigate the oyster industry in this country, says of New 
Haven harbor in 1862: "As far as the eye can see the bay is 
covered with myriads of branches, waving in the wind or swayed 
by the force of currents. It looks as if a forest were sub- 
merged — the tops of the trees only rising above the surface of 
the water." These myriads of branches were the " good and 
substantial " stakes of the Connecticut oyster " gardens," and an 
unqualified nuisance they became in # course of time. 

The ground in shoal water and sheltered localities having been 
taken up, and the demand for oysters remaining unsatisfied, 
additional area had in some way to be secured. The only remain- 
ing grounds, however, were remote from the land and in deep 
water, and it was impossible to cultivate them if the cultivator 
was confined to a small area. The spirit of the law was conse- 
quently evaded by the action of individuals in securing from a 
large number of persons assignments of their lots. Of course 
it was in the power of large capitalists or popular men to induce 
many persons to secure two-acre lots who had no idea of engag- 
ing in the business ; and for a small sum these lots were 
transferred to the real operator. This method was practiced 
extensively just prior to the passage of the present law relating 
to oysters, and according to the Shell Fish Commission Report 
the result was a loss to the State Treasury of from $40,000 to 
$50,000. 

Those who, prior to 1881, cultivated the deep water tracts and 
held their property under so insecure a title, procured in such 
an irregular manner as has been described, had many difficulties 
to contend with. The insecurity of the title brought with it 
the attendant evils of depredation and litigation. The rudeness 
of such surveys as were made, and the doubt as to the precise 
location of the various lots, had a like effect, and the general 
insecurity felt, resulted in each cultivator's attempting to make 
his harvest while he could, and to pay as little out and take as 



124 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

much in as might seem best for his immediate advantage. For 
the products of the future he could not and did not care, as there 
might be no future for him. 

Systematic and extensive work could not be expected under 
such conditions, and though progress was made, it was slow and 
spasmodic. Finally the inherent evils of the system became too 
onerous to be borne, and the value to the community of deep 
water culture, on a large scale, having been made apparent, the 
Legislature of the State passed an Act in 1881, which is given 
in Appendix C, and of which the following is a synopsis: 

The waters of the State are divided into two districts ; one, 
comprisng the waters lying inshore of a line drawn from head- 
land to headland, being left to the jurisdiction of the several 
coast towns, and the other, lying between the line drawn from 
headland to headland and the State line, which runs through 
the middle of Long Island Souud, being under the exclusive 
control of the State. A board of three commissioners exercise 
this control on the part of the State, and the board of town 
commissioners on the part of the towns. 

The board of commissioners, known as the "Shell Fish Com- 
missioners," were directed to survey, locate and define the natu- 
ral beds falling under their jurisdiction. This Work has been 
done; the beds have been defined and mapped, and the Legisla- 
ture has approved the limits assigned by the commissioners by 
legislative enactment. 

The commissioners are authorized to grant, by written instru- 
ment, for a fixed price, perpetual franchises for the fishery of 
shell-fish upon such areas and tracts as may be applied for, ex- 
cept the natural beds. The course of procedure is as follows: 
Any person desiring a franchise makes a written application to 
the commissioners, stating the area and location of the ground 
desired. A notice containing the name and residence of the ap- 
plicant, the date of the application and the location, area and de- 
scription of the ground applied for, is then posted for twenty 
days in the town adjacent to the ground desired. Any person 
objecting to the granting of the franchise may file, within twenty 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 125 

days, such objection, in writing, with the commissioners. The 

commissioners then, after giving ten clays' notice to those con- 
cerned, hear testimony and pass upon the application ; and having 
decided to grant the franchise, and upon the receipt of the pur- 
chase mouey, issue a regular deed conveying the right of fishery 
to the applicant, his heirs and assigns. The engineer of the 
Commission surveys and locates the ground, the owner paying 
the cost of the survey. Upon the receipt of the deed and com- 
pletion of the survey, the owner is required to mark the corners 
and boundaries of the lots by suitable buoys, or monuments or 
ranges on shore; to improve the groiiud within five years and to 
pay a regular tax determined by the commissioners. All per- 
sons have the right of appeal from the decisions of the com- 
missioners to the Courts, and it is highly creditable to the com- 
missioners and excellent evidence of the impartiality and justice 
of their decisions, that no such appeals have ever been made. 
All applications, grants and assignments are, in manner and form, 
as approved by the Chief Justice of the State. 

A study of this piece of legislation will convince any one that 
it is nearly the perfection of sound, practical, common sense. It 
recognizes the advantage which results to any business from the 
proprietary principle — a principle to which is owing every ad- 
vance in the progress of human affairs. It recognizes the fact, 
already so well established as to need recognition ouly from a 
legislative body, that an oyster could be cultivated with the same 
ease as a potato, and reared with the same facility as a pig or calf. 
And it acknowledges, which is evident, that the same laws which 
have been found for centuries to be efficacious in promoting 
agriculture and stock raising, would have good effect if applied 
to an industry whose methods were aualagous to both agriculture 
and the breeding of cattle. 

The results have justified every anticipation. Tracts of bottom 
lying five and ten miles from land, in from twenty to sixty feet 
of water, on sandy, muddy and rocky bottoms, where gales blow 
with violence, fogs are thick and ice forms for months at the time, 
have been taken up, paid for and put under cultivation. Steamers 



126 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE, 



and sailing vessels are employed winter and summer on the beds; 
thousands of people are engaged in the many branches of the 
business where hundreds were at work a few years ago, and 
finally the State is reaping a rich, direct, pecuniary return in the 
proceeds of sales and taxes. The following statistics are taken 
from the several reports of the Shell Fish Commission: 

GROUND DESIGNATED WITHIN THE AREA UNDER THE 
JURISDICTION OF THE STATE. 



rior to 1881, 


33,687.9 acres 


1881, 


17,456.2 " 


1882, 


6,381.5 " 


1883, 


14,907.9 " 


1884, 


6,505.7 " 


1885, 


613.2 " 


1886, 


4,882.1 " 



Total, 



87,434.5 



In addition there is a large area of private oyster ground 
within the jurisdiction of the towns, so that the total number 
of acres is probably over 100,000. Of the area controlled by 
the commissioners 20,714 acres are under cultivation and the 
rest not yet developed. Under the act (see Appendix C) a con- 
siderable portion of this undeveloped area will revert to the 
State during the coming year unless it is improved. 

According to the last report of the commissioners the num- 
ber of proprietors is 434; of which 96 own 10 acres and under; 
40 own over 10 acres and under 26 ; 148 own over 26 and 
under 101 acres, and 150 own over 100 acres. "But," say the 
commissioners, " the best index of growth is the steady enlarge- 
ment of the steam fleet engaged in the business." In 1884, 31 
steamers, with a daily capacity of from 100 to 2,000 bushels, 
were employed on the beds. In 1886 there are 60 vessels, or 
double the number at work in 1884. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 



127 



The following statement of the receipts of the commissioners 
from sales of ground, surveys and taxes, shows how great has 
been the direct benefit to the State: 

CASH PAID INTO THE STATE TREASURY BY THE SHELL FISH 
COMMISSIONERS. 



1881, 


. 


. . $ 8,369.69 


1882, 


. 


18,487.26 


1883, 


. . 


20,516.13 


1884, 




13,731.84 


1885, 


. 


, . . 6,568.72 


1886, 


Total, . 


9,658.03 




$ 77,331.67 



The tax list has risen constantly and the gain, say the com- 
missioners, "is not due to any increased estimate of old grounds, 
but to the increased area of new grounds." The following is 
taken from the last report : 



The first tax, 1882-'3, amounted to 
" second " 1883-'4, 
" third " 1884-'5, 
" fourth " 1885-'6, " " 

Total, . 



$ 3,681.47 
6,447.07 
7,890.72 
9,407.77 

$ 27,427.03 



The expenses of administration and for salaries is shown by 
the following table; 



DISBURSEMENTS OF THE SHELL FISH COMMISSION. 



1881, 

1882, 
1883, 
1884, 
1885, 
1886, 



3,581.84 
10,338.12 
8,446.24 
8,350.49 
5,930.68 
7,929.98 



Total, 



$ 44,577.35 



128 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

A review of the foregoing statements shows, that through the 
adoption of the policy of giving to individuals who cultivate oys- 
ter bottoms the same rights, privileges and protection, and hold- 
ing them under the same obligations that the cultivators of ordi- 
nary uplands receive and are exposed to, the State of Connecticut 
has, notwithstanding the unusual and extraordinary expenses due 
to installation and work of an entirely new nature, received in 
five years a direct, net profit of $32,754.32. Contrast this with 
the statement of the Maryland Oyster Commission, as to the 
financial results of the policy adopted in the Chesapeake, which 
statement is here quoted : 

" It will be seen from this table, that while the receipts for the 
past five years have been the very considerable sum of $210,- 
332.24, the expenses have been $217,753.07, or $7,420.83 more 
than the revenue." 

And this while the Maryland beds are steadily deteriorating 
and the Connecticut beds constantly appreciating in value. 

While the direct financial return is great to the States that 
have been liberal and wise in their policy towards the oyster 
grower, the indirect benefits to the people at large are even of 
greater value and importance. The statistics of the Rhode Island 
industry shows that the price of oysters has fallen since the pas- 
sage of the law, about 50 per cent. As Ingersoll says in his 
monograph on the oyster industry, "year by year oysters are 
increasing in quantity and lessening in price." 

The Connecticut Shell Fish Commissioners say: "Every year 
affords new evidence that the methods adopted by Connecticut 
for developing and promoting its oyster industries were timely 
and wise." And the Chairman of the Commission states that 
but for the ravages of the star-fish, oysters could be sold for 25 
cents a bushel. In 1880 Ingersoll gives the average value per 
bushel as over $1.00. 

In Rhode Island the industry now 7 gives support to over 
2,400 persons. In Connecticut the number has not been esti- 
mated, but it must be very large. The 60 steamers will aver- 
age eight men each for a crew — which would give 480 men 
employed afloat in addition to the 200 given by the census. I 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 129 

Iiave myself seen, during the summer, in the employment of on* 
planter 50 men who were engaged "shelling" new ground, and 
an allowance of 10 men constantly employed, to each planter 
would not be an excessive estimate. Even that would give 
4,340 persons engaged in the business; and the estimate does not 
include those who are employed in the shucking and canning es- 
tablishments, and those engaged on the public grounds, whose 
number probably exceeds those who are at work afloat or with 
the crop. It is probably considerably within the limits, to assign 
8,000 persons as directly and indirectly connected with the Con- 
necticut oyster industry. In 187,9, according to the census, but 
1,006 persons were employed. 

Wages have risen steadily. In 1879, according to the census 
and Ingersoll, " shuckers " in New Haven averaged $20 per 
month as wages. In 1886, according to Mr. T. S. Hodson, a 
member of the Maryland Senate, who has recently investigated 
the Connecticut fisheries, wages had increased to $2 per day. I 
quote his own words, and all the more cheerfully as he appears 
a somewhat unwilling witness to the value of the Connecticut 
policy. He says: 

"It was my privilege during the past week to visit and inspect 
the oyster industries of New Haven, Ct., and the operations in 
them. I reached the following conclusions: 

******* 

" 8. That the condition of labor has been improved by the 
new system and its profits increased. More people are engaged 
in the business and at better prices than before. I could not 
hear of any man who works there for less than $2 per day. 
Women do most of the shucking, and earn from $1.50 to $2 
per day in the season. They get a great deal more shucking to 
do now than before — three or four times as much." 

My own observation coincides with Mr. Hodson's conclusions. 

The Maryland Oyster Commission quotes from a Connecticut 
writer the following statement, which contains nothing that is 
untrue and little that is exaggerated : 

" Fifty thousand acres of entirely barren ground, covered 
9 



130 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

thirty, forty and fifty feet deep by the waters of Long Island 
Sound, have been made into productive oyster beds, and have- x 
multiplied by an hundred-fold the production of native oysters.. 
Ten years ago tens of thousands of bushels of oysters were 
imported from New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, and 
now hundreds of thousands of bushels are yearly exported to 
those States and to Massachusetts. Millions of dollars are now 
invested in the industry, thousands of men and women ar& 
employed, millions of bushels are in growing crops, and hun- 
dreds of thousands of dollars yearly come into the State as 
proceeds of exported oysters. The oyster authorities have paid 
more than fifty thousand dollars to the towns and to the State 
for grounds to cultivate, and pay a yearly tax to a large 
amount." 

Finally, in concluding these remarks on the results of the 
policy in force in Connecticut and Rhode Island, I cannot da 
better than publish a letter recently received from Judge R. G. 
Pike, Chairman of the Connecticut Shell Fish Commission, an 
able lawyer and a man who stands deservedly high in the opin- 
ion of his fellow citizens : 

MlDDLETOWN, CONN. , Oct. 1, 1886. 

Lieut. Francis Winslow, U. 8. N. : 

Dear Sir: — In reply to yours of the 26th ult., I have to-day sent you by mail 
a complete set of shell-fish reports, which I think will answer all your inquiries- 
fully. The 6th report will be printed and distributed in about a month, and I 
shall remember to send you an early copy. 

After five years' experience, I can confidently assure you that our system has- 
worked admirably. Ownership in the lands encourages the industry : it gives as- 
surance of legal protection to the crop, and stimulates the plauter to enter into 
thorough cultivation of larger areas. But for the havoc made by the star fish f ~- 
oysters would be so abundant that thev could be sold for 25 cents a bushel. But 
you must look into the reports I have sent. They cover all the details of our 
work. If I can do anything further to aid you, don't hesitate to command me. 
I am, very truly, yours, 

R. G. PIKE. 

The results of treating oyster lands as all other lands are 
treated may then be summarized as follows : 

Prices are decreased ; wages are increased ; larger areas are 
put under cultivation ; larger numbers of people are employed,, 
and a direct revenue to the State secured or increased. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 1^1 

The effect of an opposite policy has been summed up so 
thoroughly and ably by the Maryland Oyster Commission that 
I reproduce their words ; 

"Our present oyster policy has had a thorough trial, extend- 
ing over a long term of years, and we may therefore ask now, 
with perfect propriety, what it has accomplished. We believe 
that any one who is in a position to view the subject from 
all sides, or any one who will candidly weigh the facts which 
are detailed in this report, will acknowledge that the following 
is a just answer to his question : 

"Under our present policy our, beds have yielded about ten 
million bushels of oysters a year from grounds which are 
capable of yielding over five hundred million bushels an- 
nually. 

"Our present policy has resulted in the destruction of some 
of our most valuable beds, and in the serious injury of all of 
them, while other States have greatly increased the value of 
their beds at the same time that they increased instead of restrict- 
ing the fishing. 

" It has given employment to about fifty thousand of our 
people for part of the year, while our grounds should give 
profitable employment to five hundred thousand people for the 
whole year. 

" It has done nothing to encourage migration into our State, 
although our natural advantages, if they could be utilized, 
would draw to us a very desirable class of emigrants. 

"It has paid our oystermen about two million dollars a year, 
although our grounds should pay to their cultivators over sixty 
million dollars a year. 

"Over six hundred thousand acres of oyster ground has paid 
to the State Treasury about fifty thousand dollars a year, and it 
has paid about ten thousand dollars a year to the school fund, 
while the Governor of Rhode Island reports that his State will 
this year receive a revenue of over eleven thousand dollars from 
eleven hundred acres of oyster ground, none of which is so 



132 HEPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

valuable as that of our State. On the same basis our revenue 
should be more than six million dollars a year.' 

"The revenue is not only very much less than it should be, 
but the cost of collecting it is in excess of the receipts." 

It rests now with the people of this State to decide which of 
the two policies they will adopt. It seems incredible that there 
should exist anywhere any doubt or hesitancy in the matter. 
Unfortunately, however, such has always been the case, and it 
is due to several causes. For ages, ignorance of the habits and 
character of oysters and oyster beds has led to their treatment 
as common property in the same manner as migratory fish ; but 
the reasons for the treatment of migratory fish as common 
property will not hold good in the case of the oyster. 

It is impossible to confine migratory fish without interference 
with navigation. Neither can individuals, through their own 
exertions, care for, protect, increase, or by any possibility secure 
an equitable title to an individual fish. For this reason fish 
have always been held in common, and governments and States 
have expended large sums in the effort to increase and protect 
The general property. But, says the Maryland Oyster Commis- 
sion on this subject: 

" It is important to bear in mind that the reasons which 
justify this course do not apply to the oyster industry. The 
private ownership and cultivation of the oyster bottoms need 
not interfere in any way with the free navigation of the waters 
above them, and as the oyster stays where it is put, there is 
no difficulty in securing to private cultivators the fruits of their 
own industry." 

And again : 

" Every one knows that all ordinary business enterprises thrive 
best in private hands, and that it is extremely difficult for the 
government to manage with pecuniary success any such under- 
taking." 

Another reason is the belief, until lately prevalent among 
those who are presumed to know most on the subject, that the 
ground upon which oysters could grow was very limited. The 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 133 

experience of the French, Dutch and English oyster culturists, 
and of the Rhode Island and Connecticut planters, and the sur- 
veys and examinations of the U. S. Coast Survey, Fish Com- 
mission, and the Johns Hopkins University, together with the 
studies of Verrill, Brooks, Ryder, Goode, Rice, Lugger and 
others, have shown that this belief has no foundation in fact, 
and that the area suitable for oyster culture is, in this country at 
least, practically unlimited. A third reason for the long con- 
tinuance of the generally senseless policy regarding oyster beds 
is the ignorant aud unreasoning opposition of the oystermen, 
who, of all people, are the most to be benefited, and who, 
experience proves, have received, proportionately, the largest 
amount of good from the change in policy. In all States, how- 
ever, the few thousand people engaged in fishing the natural 
beds have cried out against any change from their wasteful and 
destructive methods, and their influence has usually been too 
powerful to permit the adoption of a policy which would double 
their daily wages. 

This outcry is due to the impression, often widespread, that 
some one proposes to occupy the natural beds ; whereas no intel- 
ligent cultivator would touch a natural bed, and no .State has 
ever yet or ever will permit their absorption by individuals. 
Another favorite cry is that of " monopoly." But a monopoly 
can hardly be accomplished when the area of suitable bottom is 
practically unlimited, and there is no more reason to apprehend 
a monopoly of oyster laud than of any other, provided the 
same laws govern both, as they can and should do. Indeed, if 
any monopoly exists, it is vested in the oystermen themselves, 
who alone have the use of and reap the profits from property 
which nature has given, not to them, but to the community at 
large. And so badly have they cared for that which they 
assumed to own and control, that the 300,000 acres of the 
Chesapeake are well nigh destroyed. It affords me much 
pleasure, however, to testify here as I have done before, to the 
almost entire absence, in the case of the North Carolina fisher- 
men, of this feeling against cultivation or ownership of oyster 



134 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

ground ; and it is greatly to their credit that so little bigotry 
and prejudice exists among them. 

Dr. Brooks, Dr. Gill, Mr. G. Brown Goode, the Connecticut 
Shell Fish Commissioners, the Rhode Island Shell Fish Com- 
missioners, the Fish Commissioner of New York, the Oyster 
Commission of Maryland, the U. S. Fish Commission, the 
American Fish Cultural Association and many other eminent 
authorities, commissions and bodies at home and abroad, have 
advocated the application of the general laws governing property 
to the oyster interests. 

The Maryland Oyster Commission says in relation to plant- 
ing: "It is capable of supporting a very great population; but 
no great growth of the planting industry can be hoped for until 
private enterprise in this direction is rendered as safe as similar 
investments of labor and capital on land." And the following 
is their conclusion as to the policy Maryland should adopt: 

"We have given careful attention to the possibility of artifi- 
cially increasing the supply, and we have availed ourselves of 
all sources of information, and have studied the laws and methods 
which have been found effective in Europe and in other States of 
our own country. * * * * * . * * * 

The adoption by our people of measures which are already em- 
ployed with advantage by other communities, would increase the 
wealth and prosperity of Maryland almost beyond computation, 
and would add to the value and fertility of our oyster grounds 
in the same way that our farming lands have increased in value 
since the time when they were uncultivated hunting grounds. 
This can be brought about only by bringing the industry and 
intelligence of man to the assistance of nature, and at present 
there is little opportunity for enterprise in this direction in Mary- 
land, and our oyster property owes none of its value to human 
industry, although there are in our State no farming lauds which 
would yield a more sure and ample return for invested capital 
and labor. We therefore believe that a complete change must 
be made in our oyster policy before our people can reap the full 
benefit of their natural advantages." 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 135 

The Connecticut com missioners say : "The laws granting a 
perpetual license of the grounds at trifling cost — the clearing up 
of titles — the adjustment of boundaries and the protection of 
growing crops, these have placed the business of cultivating upon 
a basis that inspires confidence and encourages effort." 

Mr. Goode says in his address delivered in London, England, 
on the fisheries of the United Stales: . 

"The preservation of the oyster beds is a matter of vital 
importance to the United States, for oyster fishing, unsupported 
by oyster culture, will, within a short period, destroy the employ- 
ment of tens of thousands, and .the cheap and favorite food of 
tens of millions of our people. 

"Something may be effected by laws which allow each bed to 
rest for a period of years after each season of fishing upon it. 
It is the genera! belief, however, that shell-fish-beds must be 
cultivated as carefully as garden beds, and this can only be done 
by leasing them to individuals. This is already the practice in 
the Northern States, where oysters are planted in new localities; 
there is difficulty, however, in carrying out this policy iu the 
case of natural beds, to which the fishermen have had continued 
access for centuries. It is probable that the present unregulated 
methods will prevail until the dredging of the natural beds 
ceases to be remunerative, and that the oyster industry will then 
be transferred from the improvident fishermen to the care-taking 
oyster culturists." 

And again, before a meeting of the Fish Cultural Association, 
Mr. Goode says : 

"I have been looking into the history of the oyster industry 
of Europe lately, and am convinced that Connecticut is putting 
into practice the best system of oyster culture in the world." 

At a meeting of the American Fish Cultural Association, held 
in Washington in May, 1884, a strong resolution was adopted, 
urgently advising that the principle of proprietary rights should 
be extended to the oyster fishery, as the only measure which 
■would avert the impending destruction of the industry. 



136 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

In the New York Commercial Advertiser of Dec. 28, 1886, I 
find the following statement of Mr. E. G. Blackford, Fish Com- 
missioner of New York, and probably the most prominent fish 
and oyster dealer in the country : 

"This winter I shall recommend the encouragement of the 
planting of artificial beds of oysters by the adoption of a law 
similar to that now in force in Connecticut, creating a shell-fish 
commission. The great drawback to artificial cultivation in this 
State has been the uncertainty of tenure of the beds. The Con- 
necticut law grants a perpetual franchise of the oyster grounds, 
the buyer controlling them, as long as he will improve the 
grounds and pay a small tax on them. The total receipts of 
such tax is used to protect the oyster interests of the State. 
Under this law more than 100,000 acres have been taken up by 
planters in Connecticut and the annual product of the State has 
increased more than 300 per cent, in six years. Rhode Island's 
similar law has worked benefits as great to that State. Eleven 
thousand acres are now in cultivation there. The system of 
giving absolute deeds, all oyster experts agree, is the only prac- 
ticable solution of the oyster raising problem. Security of ten- 
ure must be given the planter before the cultivation of private 
beds can reach the fullest and most profitable development. I 
shall recommend the passage of the act I speak of very soon. 
The enactment of such a law will give the necessary security of 
tenure, increase the State revenue, realize more than $300,000 
from unused lands, and put upon a solid and permanent basis 
what may become one of the most important industries of the 
State. Liberal laws which will promote this industry are what 
it needs." 

Quotations of opinions and citations of results might be con- 
tinued indefinitely, but enough has been stated to show, not only 
the inherent merits and justice of the policy advocated and the 
emphatic endorsement it has everywhere received from intelli- 
gent and capable men, but also the great and beneficial effects 
which have followed its adoption. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 137 

I have shown that an enormous area of barren and unpro- 
ductive bottom in North Carolina is capable of considerable 
development. If its development is permitted, I believe that 
in the course of a few years large capital and many people will 
be employed in the eastern portion of the State, and a section of 
the country that has waited a century for prosperity to spring 
from the land will at last find it in the depths of the water. 
But I would also most strongly impress my opinion, and it 
coincides with that of every other authority, that neither 
development nor prosperity can possibly be achieved unless the 
oyster culturist is granted the same privileges and afforded the 
same protection that are insured to enterprise, persons and capi- 
tal in every other field of exertion. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

In the foregoing pages the general condition of the natural 
and artificial oyster beds has been stated, together with the 
various sources of dissatisfaction. A remedy, in general terms, 
has been suggested, and a course of policy advocated. Summing- 
up the results in the several branches of the inquiry and the 
information obtained, it is evident that : 

The natural beds are deteriorating, principally through over- 
fishery and want of intelligent supervision. 

That the area of artificial beds has not been extended in pro- 
portion to the demands of the general market, nor to the area 
suitable for cultivation. 

That this want of progress is due to the indefinite description 
of the areas exempted from entry ; to the limitation of the 
oyster farmer to small and inadequate tracts, and to the inse- 
curity of titles. 

That the necessity for maintaining " stakes " interferes to some 
extent with the right of fishing for migratory fish and with free 
navigation, and that it is impossible to maintain such stakes in 
the deep and open waters of the Sounds in which the. most 
desirable grounds are situated. 



138 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

That a large area within the State is suitable for oyster cul- 
ture, and that it has not and cannot be. developed under the 
existing laws. 

To cure these defects and. remove the obstacles which lie in 
the road to the establishment of the industry upon a firm, and 
just foundation, I suggest that the following recommendations 
be incorporated in a new enactment by the Legislature : 

1st. That the control of the shell-fish interests of the State 
be committed to some body, which shall be large enough to ena- 
ble it to exercise the semi-judioial functions which its duties will 
entail, and yet sufficiently small to secure executive qualifications 
and full responsibility. 

. 2d. That, as the entire area of the waters of the State has not 
yet been surveyed or examined and as the areas and positions of 
all the various natural oyster beds have not yet been determined, 
the several sections defined in the first part of this report be 
accepted and made legal divisions of the area. The sections 
have been laid off with a view to their possible utilization in 
this way. They begin and end at points established with all the 
accuracy of the most accurate surveyors in the world — the 
officers of the U. S. Coast Survey; and their limits are therefore 
clearly and sharply defined. In many the surveys have been 
completed, and by adopting these or similar divisions, portions 
of the area may be opened to entry from time to time as the 
natural beds are located, and thus an immediate revenue secured 
and a portion, if not all of the expenses attending the installa- 
tion of the work, be defrayed. The action will be similar to 
laying off a town in blocks and permitting building in each as 
fast as the grades are established and public ways defined. 

3d. That the body controlling the shell-fisheries, after suitable 
surveys have been made and the positions of the natural beds 
defined and laid down on proper maps, shall determine upon the 
areas and positions of the public grounds of the State, in each 
section. 

4th. That the public grounds shall include all natural beds and 
such adjacent area as may be necessary to provide for such natural 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 139 

expansion as would occur within a reasonable time, and that a 
definition be given to the term " natural bed." 

5th. That the body controlling the fishery shall have full 
power and jurisdiction over the public grounds, and shall pre- 
scribe such rules and regulations for the government of the same 
as may be necessary. 

6th. That upon the determination of the location and area of 
the public grounds, in any section, the same shall be published 
for the information of those whom it may concern, and that 
opportunity to be heard be given any person who is dissatisfied 
with the decision as announced ; and that all objections and pro- 
tests shall receive consideration, and be substantiated or refuted, 
if necessary, by additional surveys and examinations. 

7th. That the body controlling the fishery, after being fully 
satisfied as to all the tacts in the case, shall come to a final decis- 
ion, which shall be binding upon all persons until reversed by 
due process before the courts to which appeals shall lie. 

8th. That the body controlling the fishery, after having deter- 
mined the positions and areas of the public grounds, shall have 
power to grant perpetual franchises for the fishery and cultiva- 
tion of shell-fish, on any area not within the boundaries of the 
public grounds. 

9th. That the Legislature determine upon a certain fixed price 
per acre to be paid, and that upon its payment the applicant for 
ground shall be entitled to his franchise. 

10th. That the body controlling the shell-fishery shall furnish 
each owner of ground with a survey, plot and description of his 
lot for the actual cost of making the same, and shall prescribe 
the piace, character and number of stakes, buoys or monuments 
or ranges which the owner shall maintain, so that there shall be 
no interference with navigation or the fishery of migratory 
fishes. 

11th. That all holders of licenses under the present statute, 
who have complied with the law, shall obtain from the body 
controlling the fisheries franchises for their grounds, and that 
the surveys and locations of the same shall be verified before 
issuing such franchises. 



140 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

12th. That a regular tax be levied and collected on all pri- 
vate grounds in the same manner as upon other property. 

13th. That any private ground which is not improved within 
five years shall revert to the State. 

14th. That forms for all applications, grants, assignments and 
protests be determined upon by some competent authority and 
be adopted for use. 

15th. That regular books of record and plats of the grounds 
shall be kept by the body controlling the firsheries and that all 
grants, transfers and assignments shall be therein recorded. 

These suggestions are general in character and of course admit 
of elaboration as may be deemed best. They provide for intel- 
ligent supervision of the whole industry, for the opening of the 
undeveloped area, for the maintenance of the rights of indi- 
viduals and of the public, and insure even justice to all. They 
contain the essential features of the Connecticut law, which has 
passed beyond the domain of experiment, and their adoption by 
this State will, I believe, bring about great benefits, and will not, 
I know, result to the detriment of any one. 

The course to be pursued is for the people of the State to 
determine. There is a tide in the affairs of communities as well 
as of individuals which taken on the flood leads to prosperity, 
and I believe that an opportunity is now offered which may never 
occur again ; that between the destruction of the great Chesa- 
peake natural beds and the establishment of equally great and 
more valuable private grounds in the same locality, there is an 
opening which can be utilized to overwhelming advantage. 

If but one-tenth the area in this State which is suitable for 
oyster culture is developed, it will necessitate the employment of 
$1,200,000 capital, the production of over forty times as many 
oysters as the State now yields, and the return of a gross income 
exceeding $2,000,000 per annum. Surely the attainment of 
such results is worthy of unflagging pursuit and strenuous 
effort. Certainly if they can be secured by so simple an act as 
granting fair protection and justice to the oyster farmer, there 
should be no hesitancy in accomplishing it. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 



141 



APPENDIX A. 

TABLE SHOWING THE LOCATION AND AREA OF THE PRIVATE 
OYSTER LOTS ESTABLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC- 
TION 3390 OF THE CODE. 



DARE COUNTY. 



TOWNSHIP. 



Roanoke Island, 



Croatan . 
Croatan . 



NO. OF AIT.KS. 



Ballance, H. <;... 

Daniels, I !. 9 

Daniels, S. M 

Dutton, J. T 

Daniels, E. R 

Daniels, T. W 

Daniels, G. ( ' 

Etheridge, A. M. 
Etheridge, J. B.. 

Farrow, C. B 

Greene, E. < ' 

Gartisou, J. T 

Hooker, S 

Johnson, 0. C 

Meekins, W. L... 
Meekins, B. F.... 

Meekins, J. C 

Peigh, L. J 

Peigh, W. 8. C 

Stetson, T 

Tillette, L. R 

Wise, J. H 

Grant, James 

Lamb, E. F 



8.(57 
8.67 



8.67 
8\26 



8.67 
7.54(?) 
9.91 
6.26 
5.59 
6.97 
8.67 
8.67 
10.09 



8.(17 
8.67 
8.117 
8.67 
6.1 
10.12 
10.02 



Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 
Error in survey. 



Deficient description. 



HYDE COUNTY. 



Lake Landing. 



0.5 
10 



Clayton, W. P 

Cutrell, J 

Cox, J. F 

Daniels, J. C 

Godley, B. F 

Grimes, B 

Gibbs, X. s 0.75 

Gibbs, R. J i 7.5 

Grant .lames | lo 

Lamb, E. F in 

Mason, J. W . 2.0 

Mason, C. J ' L5 



Neat John, Jr 
Neal, Wrn. S..., 
Neal, John G.. 
Rose Jeptha... 

Spencer, J 

•Spencer, S. H. 
Swindell, J. V 
Spencer, W. B 
Silby, Talbot.. 
Vendriek. Jas 

Watson, J. B 8.17 

Midgett, L. 8 



5.0 

3.0 

2.75 

2.0 

2.25 

10.0 
5.25 

10 
r,.71 



2.46(?) 
0.72(?j 



Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 
Error in survey. 
No description. 



Wrong description. 

9.97 

9.87 

1. '.!.-'( .') Description wrong. 
Deficient description. 



2.62(?) Error in survey. 
No description. 



2.07 

16.01" 



5.49 

9.54 



Deficient description. 
Deficient description. 

No description. 
No description. 



142 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 
CARTERET COUNTY. 



TOWNSHIP. 



NO. OF ACRES. 



Hunting Quarters. 



Abbott, J 

Daily, W. M 

Dixon, E. G 

Dixon, G 

Dav, John 

Day, 8 

Enery, S 

Fulcher, J 

Fuleher, A. M 

Fulcher, E.L 

Fulcher, R 

Fulcher, Wm 

Fulcher, .1. W 

Fulcher, Wallace. 

Gilgo, J. W 

Gaskill, J. W 

Gaskill, E.P 

Gaskill, J. S 

Gaskill, T. T 

Gaskill, J. A 

Gaskill, R 

Gaskins, T 

Gaskins, B 

Goin, James 

Hill, Geo 

Homan, W., Jr 

Hamilton, A 

Hamilton, W 

Hamilton, F 

Hamilton, G. W.... 

Hill, Wm 

Hill, Chas 

Hamilton, I 

Hamilton, J. W.... 

Hamilton, J. N 

Lupton, Silas 

Lupton, C 

Lupton, J. J 

Lupton, J. A 

Lupton, W. B 

Lupton, W. O 

Lupton, F. M 

Lupton, Jas 

Lupton, M. J 

Lupton, S. F 

Lupton, C 

Lupton, J. W 

Lupton, B. C 

Lupton, S. S 

Lupton, Jos 

Lupton, W. H 

Lewis, Wilson 

Lewis, G 

Lewis, F , 

Lewis, Willis 

Lewis, Alex 

Lewis, J. E 

Lewis, J. W 

Mason, ,K 

Mason, C 

Mason, S 

Mason, J 

Mason, A. W 

Mason, L 



10 

10 
8.5 
9.75 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
8 



9.55 

9.50 

10.01(?) 



9.37 



8.79 

"sag 



10.62 
10.02 



7-3 (}) 
■»■»—■ 



5.61 
9.09(?) 



9.69 
8.73 



9.96 
9.96 



10.48(?) 
9.6 



:;;} 



8.1 
"i'.G5 



8.85 
"8.28 
"9T5" 



9.37 

6.77 

9.84 

9.6 

9.2 



5.98(? 



Error in description. 
Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 
Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 
Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 

Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 



Deficient description.. 
Error in survey. 

Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 
Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 

No description. 

Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 
Description wrong. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 
CARTERET COUNTY — (CONTINUED). 



143 



TOWNSHIP. 



NO. OF ACRES 



Hunting Quarters. 



Morehead . 
Beaufort ... 



Mas. hi, 8. B 

Mason, (4. O 

Morris, J. L 

Pike, L 

Hamilton, S. E 

Roberts, J. A 

Roberts, G. W 

Robinson, U 

Rosa, G 

Robinson, M 

Robinson, Thos 

Rose, J. A 

Styron, S. H 

Styron, R 

Salter, T 

Styron, W. D 

Salter, E 

Stvron, R 

Smith, W 

Willis, B 

Williams, Wra 

Willis, T 

Willis, J. s 

Willis, C 

Williams, J 

Davis, A. F 

Davis, .1. D 

Davis, A 

Fulford, A. W 

Frisbie, H. B 

Frisbie, H. L. C 

Frisbie, J. A 

Frisbie, H. A. E 

Frisbie, H. A. M 

Frisbie, H. E 

Frisbie, D. F 

Jones, David 

Harker, Samuel 

Pigott, J. N 

Robinson, .MV 

Robinson, T. W 

Hamilton, T 

Willis, (' 

Willis, D 

Willis, E. S 

Fulford, A. B 

Gaskill, A. H 

Gaskill, J. D 

Leffers, R 

Lewis, N 

Lewis, Jno. W 

Moore, T , 

Moore, S 

Moore, J 

Moore, E , 

Moore, J. W 

Moore, A , 

Pigott, D 

Pigott, C.... 

Oglesby, A. E 

Styron, J. F 

Avery, J. T 

Buckman, s. M 

Buekman, — 

Dill, J. A 



10 
10 

8 
10 
10 
10 
10 

1(1 

10 
10 
10 
10 

111 
111 

10 
10 

5 

5 
10 
10 
10 
10 

5 

5 
10 
10 
10 
10 

9.31 
10 
10 
10 

10 

111 

10 

111 

3.5 
lo.n 

2.90 
10 

!} 

3 

5.5 
4.9 
10 
10 
4 
10 
10 
10 
10 

10 
10 
10 

8 

8.5 
10 
10 
10 
9.7 
10 
10 

5 
10 



9.8 

9.9 
0.91 

9.9 



9.09 

9"28 



4.99 
i.68(?) 



12.7 (?) 



9.S4 
4.99 
4.68(?) 



9.53 
10 
10 



Deficient description. 
Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 

Deficient description. 

No description. 
Deficient description. 



Error in description. 
I leficient description. 
Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 



Error in description. 
Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 



Deficient description. 



2.81?) Error in survev. 
9.66 

8.87 



2.S 
0.2 
4.5 
9.10 
10.5(?) 
4 



10.13 

8.68 

7.S4 

8.00 

8.24 

9.09 

7.19(?) 

8.6 

8.29 
10.8 



9.8 (?) 
9.96 

9.0 



10.41 (?) 



Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 



Error in description and 
plot. 



Deficient description. 

Error in survey. 



Deficient description. 
Error in survey. 



144 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 
CARTERET COUNTY (CONTINUED). 








NAME. 


NO. 01 


ACRES. 




TOWNSHIP. 




i* > 
P IB 

P 


REMARKS. 




Charlott, G. W 


10 

10 

10 

10 

10 
8 

10 

10 

10 

10 
G.5 
6.5 
6.5 

10 

10 

10 
5 

10 

10 
6.5 
6.5 

10 

10 
1.5 

10 
1 

1 20 

10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
5 
10 




Deficient description. 






9.6 


" 


Dill, W.F 


Deficient description. 
Description doubtful. 
Deficient description. 


" 


Dudley, J 


0.9 (?) 


« 


Fulcher, L. C 


" 






11 


Gillikin, J. W 


9.6 
9.93 




" 


Gibbs, E. W 


Deficient description. 


II 


Gibbs, T. R 


Deficient description. 


a 


Hatsell, W. F 




„ 


Hatsell, G. A 

Ives,G. N 


8.1 




il 






Wrong description. 


ii 


9.93 

10.5 (?) 


a 


Lewis, W.C 


Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 


ii 




ti 






ii 


Maee, F. B 


7.22(?) 




ii 


Potter, L. A 


Deficient description. 


it 


Potter, J. H 


8.1 

9.72 

10.21(?) 


ii 


Pigott, I 




li 


Piver, E 


Error in survey. 
Deficient description. 


ii 


Pigott, Sandy 


ii 


Pritchard, G. W 


9.96 
20 




ii 


Russell, J. B 




ii 


Russell, D. W 




H 


Russell, Wm 




ii 


Russell, T. B 




H 




Deficient description. 


tl 






ii 






ii 


11 


Taylor, N. W 


9.6 
9.34 




u 


Taylor, E. W 


' 


Ii 


Thomas, C. R 


Deficient description. 


ii 






u 






ii 


ii 






n 


il 


Thomas, T. M 


10 

10 

5 

8 

10 

9 

9 

10 

10 

9 




ii 


11 


Thomas, S 




ii 


ii 


Wade, E 




ii 


White Oak 


Bell, N. P 

Bell, W. S 




ii 




3.18 




ii 


Bell, R. C 


Deficient description. 


u 


Bell W C 






ii 


Garner, J. C 

Tavlor, B.F 




ii 


ii 




ii 


" 




" 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 145 

APPENDIX B. 

LAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA RELATING TO OYSTERS. 



Sec. 3375. Penalty for usiug other instruments except tongs to take oysters, 
unless, etc. R. C, c. 81, s. 3, 1822; c. 1134, s. 4, 1883; c. 116, c. 203. 
If any person whatever shall use any drag, or other instrument, except such 
tongs as are generally used for catching oysters within any of the waters of the 
State, the person so offending shall forfeit and pay one hundred dollars; Provided, 
the owner or tenant of any private oyster ground may use any scoop, drag, or 
other instrument, to take oysters therein. Provided further, in the waters of 
Pamplieo and Roanoke Sounds no person shall use any drag or other instrument 
in less than eight feet of water, except such tongs as are generally used for 
catching oysters. 

Sec. 3389. Offences herein created, indictable. R. C, c. 81, s. 13. 

Every person who shall take live oysters from the water to be burned into lime, 
or who shall commit any of the offences in this chapter created, shall be guilty of 
a misdemeanor. 

Sec. 3390. Inhabitant of State authorized to make oyster beds under license. 

1883, c. 332, ss. 1, 2. 

Any inhabitant of this State may make a bed in any of the waters of this State 
and lay down or plant oysters or clams therein, having first obtained license, as 
hereinafter directed, from the Superior Court Clerk of the county wherein such 
bed may be, and he may stake out the grounds, so as to include not exceeding ten 
acres, with good and substantial stakes, extending at least two feet above high 
water mark, and placed at such intervals as to make the boundaries of such bed 
or garden distinctly known; and every person who shall obtain such license shall 
hold the same, and have exclusive privilege thereof to him, his heirs and assigns. 
But no person may have more than one such bed in the same county. Provided, 
nothing herein shall be construed to affect the rights of any owner or proprietor 
of lauds in which there may be creeks or inlets, or which may be adjacent to any 
navigable waters, or to authorize any person to appropriate to his own use, or to 
stake off and enclose any natural oyster or clam bed, or in anywise to infringe 
the common right of the citizens of the State to any such natural bed, or to 
obstruct the free navigation of the waters aforesaid. 

Sec. 3391. Clerk of Superior Court to grant licenses. 1883, c. 332, s. 3. 

The Clerks of the Superior Courts may, in their discretion, grant license to 
make such oyster or clam bed to any inhabitant of this State who shall make 
application in writing, describing particularly the place whereon he desires to 
make such bed. 

Sec. 3392. County Commissioners to cause surveys to he made, &c. 1883, c. 332,. 

s. 4. 

The Board of County Commissioners may, in their discretion, cause to be made, 
not oftener than once in twelve months, a survey and examination of any or every 

10 



146 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

such oyster or clam bed or garden in their county, the result of which examina- 
tion or survey shall be reported under oath to the Clerk of the Superior Court 
and if it be found that the holder of such license as aforesaid has included within 
his stakes any natural oyster or clam bed, or a space containing more than ten 
acres, he shall forfeit such license, and all the rights and privileges thereto belong- 
ing ; further, if the holder of such license fail for the space of two years either 
to use such bed or to keep it properly designated by stakes he shall forfeit such 
license and all the rights and privileges therein granted. 

Sec. 3393. Penalty for injuring beds ; misdemeanor. 1883, c. 332, s. 5. 

If any person shall do any injury to such beds or to the stakes thereof, or shall 
gather or take away auy oysters or clams within the lines of the stakes afore- 
said, without permission first had from the owners thereof, he shall forfeit for 
each offence the sum of ten dollars, and if any person shall commit any such 
offence in the night time, he shall forfeit for each offence the sum of twenty-five 
dollars, and the penalties herein created may be recovered by a warrant before a 
Justice of the Peace by any person who may sue therefor ; and in addition to the 
penalties already prescribed in this section, such offender shall be guilty of a mis- 
demeanor and fined not exceeding fifty dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty 



Sec. 3394. To promote the growth of oysters in New River. 1881, c. 46, ss. 1, 2. 
No person shall remove oysters from natural beds in New River, from the fif- 
teenth day of May to the first day of September in each year, and any person 
violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not less than 
twenty-five dollars for every offence. 

Sec. 3423. Unlawful to take oysters from Myrtle Grove Sound, when; misde- 
meanor and proviso. 1883, c. 358, ss. 1, 2. 

No person shall take or catch any oysters from Myrtle Grove Sound, from Per- 
rine's or Whitker's Creek to the headwaters of said sound, in New Hanover 
county, from the first day of May until the first day of September; Provided, this 
section shall not apply to persons taking oj'sters for their own consumption, and 
any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and fined not 
more than fifty dollars or imprisoned not more' than twenty days. 

Sec. 3426. Laws prohibiting the carrying of oysters from State by citizens, for 
sale, repealed. 1883, c. 116, s. 5. 

All laws and clauses of laws prohibiting the carrying of North Carolina oysters 
out of the State, by the resident citizens thereof, for sale, are repealed. 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 147 

APPENDIX C. 

THE ACT ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT SHELL FISH 
COMMISSION. 



Chapter (_LX. An Act, Establishing a State Commission for the designation of 
oyster grounds. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: 

Section 1. The State shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction and control over 
all shell fisheries which are located in that area of the State which > within 
that part of Long Island Sound and its tributaries, bounded Westerly and South- 
erly by the State of New York, Easterly by the State of Rhode Island, and North- 
erly by a line following the coasts of the* State at high water, which shall cross all 
it.'- bays, rivers, creeks and inlets, at such places nearest Long Island Sound as are 
within and between points on opposite shores, from one of which, objects and 
what is done on the opposite shore can be reasonably discerned with the 
naked eye, or could be discerned but for intervening islands. And all shell fish- 
eries not within said area, shall be and remain within the jurisdiction and control 
of the towns in which they are located, under the same laws and regulations, and 
through the same selectmen and oyster committees as heretofore. If a difference 
shall arise between any town and the commissioners as hereinafter provided for, 
as to the boundary line between said town and the area to be mapped, said town, 
by its selectmen, may bring its petition to the Superior Court for the county 
within which said town is situated, to determine said boundary line, and said 
Court, upon reasonable notice to the parties', shall hear said petition and appoint 
a committee to ascertain the facts in such case, and report the same to said Court, 
and said Court shall thereupon make such order as may be proper in the premises. 

Sec. 2. The three fish commissioners of the Slate now in ollice, and their suc- 
cessors, shall also be and constitute a board of commissioners of shell fisheries, 
aud be empowered to make, or cause to be made, a survey and map of all the 
grounds within said area in Long Island Sound which have been or may be desig- 
nated for the planting or cultivation of shellfish; shall ascertain the ownership 
thereof, and how much of the same is actually in use for said purposes; they 
shall also cause a survey of all the natural oyster beds in said area, and shall 
locate and delineate the same on said map, which survey and map, when comple- 
ted, shall not cost a sum exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars, and shall report 
to the next session of the Legislature a plan for an equitable taxation of the pro- 
perty in said fisheries, and make an annual report of the state and condition ox 
said fisheries to the legislature, and the said commissioners shall be empowered 
to appoint and employ a clerk of and for said board, and they shall each give a 
bond to the State, with sufficient surety, for the faithful performnuee of their 
duties, and for the payment to the State Treasurer of all money that may come 
into their hands under this act, iu the sum of two thousand dollars. 

Sec. 3. The said commissioners shall also be empowered, in the name and in 
behalf of the State, to grant by written instruments, for the purpose of planting 
aud cultivating shell fish, perpetual franchises in such undesignated grounds 
within said area as are not,, and for ten years have not, been natural clam or ovs- 



148 REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 

ter beds, whenever application in writing is made to them through their clerk by 
any person or persons who have resided in the State not less than one year next 
preceding the date of said application. The said application and said grant shall 
be in a manner and form as shall be approved by the Chief Justice of the State, 
and all such grants may be assigned to any person or persons who are, or who 
have been, residents of the State for not less than one year next preceding such 
assignment, by a written assignment, in manner and form approved by said Chief 
Justice; and said commissioners shall keep books of record and record all such 
grants and assignments therein, and the same shall also be recorded in the town 
clerk's office in the town bounded on Long Island Sound within the meridian 
boundary lines of which said grounds are located. 

Sec. 4. When any such application is filed with the clerk of said commission- 
ers, he shall note on the same the date of its reception and shall cause a written 
notice, stating the name and residence of the applicant, the date of filing the 
application, the location, area, and description of the grounds applied for, to be 
posted in the office of the town clerk of town bounded on the said Long Island 
Sound within the meridian boundary lines of which said grounds are located, 
where such notice shall remain posted for twenty days. Any person or persons, 
objecting to the granting of the grounds applied for as aforesaid may file a writ- 
ten notice with the town clerk, stating the grounds of his or their objections, 
upon the payment to said town clei'k of the sum of twenty-five cents, and at the end 
of said twenty days the said town clerk shall forward all such written objections 
to the clerk of said commission ; and in case such objections are so filed and for- 
warded the said commission, or a majority, shall upon ten days' notice in writing, 
mailed or personally delivered to all the parties in interest, hear and pass upon 
such objections at the town in which such grounds are located as aforesaid, and 
if such objections are not sustained and the area of ground is not, in the opiuion 
of the commissioners, of unreasonable extent, they may for the actual costs of 
surveying and mapping of such grounds, and the further consideration of one 
dollar per acre, paid to the said commissioners to be by them paid over to the 
treasurer of the State, grant a perpetual franchise for the planting and cultivating 
shell-fish in such ground or in any part of the same in the. manner aforesaid, and 
where no such objections are made such grants may be made for the considera- 
tion hereinbefore named. At all the hearings authorized by this act the said 
commissioners may, by themselves or their clerk, subpoena witnesses and admin- 
ister oaths as in courts of law. 

Sec. 5. The said commissioners shall, previous to the deliver}' of any instru- 
ment, conveying the right to plant or cultivate shell-fish on any of said grounds, 
make, or cause to be made, a survey of the same, and shall locate and delineate 
the same, or cause to be located and delineated, upon the map aforesaid, and 
upon receipt of said instrument of conveyance, the grantee shall at once cause the 
grounds therein conveyed to be plainly marked out by stakes, buoys, ranges or 
monuments, which stakes and buoys shall be continued by the said grantee and his 
legal representatives, and the right to use and occupj r said grounds for said pur- 
poses shall be and remain in said grantee, and his legal representatives; Provided,- 
that if the grantee or holder of said grounds does not actually use and occupy the 
same for the purposes named, in good faith, within five years after the time of re- 
ceiving such grant, the said commissioners shall petition the Superior Court of the 
County having jurisdiction over the said grounds, to appoint a committee to inquire 
and report to said Court as to the use and occupancy of such grounds in good faith, 



REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 149 

and said Court shall, in such case, appoint such committee, who, after twelve days' 
notice to petitioners and respondents, shall hear such petition and report the facts 
thereon to said Court, and if it sball appear that said grounds are not used and 
occupied in good faith for the purpose of planting or cultivating shell fish, the 
said Court may order that said grounds revert to the State, and that all stakes or 
buoys marking the same, be removed, the costs in said petition to be paid at the 
discretion of the Court. 

Sec. 6. When, after the occupancy and cultivation of any grounds designated as 
aforesaid by the grantee or his legal representatives, it shall appear to said commis- 
sioners that said grounds are not suited for the plantiug or cultivation of oysters, 
said grantee, upon receiving a certificate to that effect from said commissioners, may 
surrender the same, or any part thereof, not less than one hundred acres, to the 
State, by an instrument of release of all his rights and title thereto, and shall, on 
delivery of such instrument to said commissioners, receive their certificate of said 
release of said grounds, the location and number of acres described therein, which 
shall be filed with the State Treasurer, who shall pay to the holder the sum of 
one dollar for every acre of ground described in said release, wtiere said sum has 
been paid therefor to the State. And the said release shall be recorded by the said 
commissioners in their record books, and in the town clerk's office in the town 
adjacent to and within the meridian boundary lines of which said grounds are 
located. For all purposes relating to judicial proceedings in criminal matters, 
the jurisdiction of justices of the peace of the several towns bordering on Long 
Island Sound shall extend southerly by lines running due south by true meridian 
from the southern termini of the boundary lines between said towns, to the 
boundary line between the States of Connecticut and New York. 

Sec. 7. Said commissioners shall provide, in addition to the general map of 
said grounds, sectional maps, comprising all grounds located within the meridian 
boundary lines of the several towns on the shores of the State, which maps shall 
be lodged in the town clerk's office of the said respective towns, and said com- 
missioners shall also provide and lodge with said town clerks blank applications 
for such grounds, and record books for recording conveyances of the same, and 
all conveyances of such grounds and assignments, reversion and releases of the 
same shall be recorded in the books of said commissioners, and in the town 
clerk's offices of the towns adjacent to and within the meridian boundary lines of 
which said grounds are located, in such books as are provided by said commis- 
sioners, subject to legal fees for such recording, and the cost of all such maps, 
blank books, surveys, and all other expenses necessary for the carrying out of the 
provisions of this act shall be audited by the comptroller and paid for by the 
Treasurer of the State, and the said commissioners shall each receive for their 
services five dollars per day for the time they are actually employed, as provided 
for in this act ; their accounts for such service to be audited by the comptroller, 
and paid by the Treasurer of the State. 

Sec. 8. All designations and transfers of oyster, clam or mussel grounds within 
the waters of Long Island Sound heretofore made (except designations made of 
natural oyster, clam or mussel beds), are hereby validated and confirmed. 

Sec. 9. All the provisions of the statutes of this State relating to the planting, 
cultivating, working and protecting shell fisheries upon grounds heretofore desig- 
nated under said laws, except as provided for in section eight of this act, and as 
are inconsistent with this act, are hereby continued and made applicable to such 
designations as may be made under the provisions of this act. 



150 EEPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 



Sec. 10. When it shall be shown to the satisfaction of said commissioners that 
any natural oyster or clam bed has been designated by them to any person or per- 
sons, the said commissioners shall petition the Superior Court of the county hav- 
ing jurisdiction over the said grounds to appoint a committee to enquire and report 
to said court the facts as to such grounds, and said court shall, in such case, appoint 
such committee who, after twelve days' notice to the petitioners and respondents, 
shall hear such petition, and report the facts thereon to said court; and if it shall 
appear that any natural oyster or clam beds, or any part thereof, have been so 
designated, the said court may order that said grounds may revert to the State, 
after a reasonable time for the claimant of the same to remove any shell fish he 
may have planted or cultivated thereon in good faith, and said court may further 
order that all stakes and buoys marking the same be removed, the costs in said 
petition to be taxed at the discretion of the court. 

Sec. 11. Any commissioner who shall knowingly grant to any person or persons 
a franchise as hereinbefore provided, in any natural oyster or clam bed, shall be 
subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred 
dollars, and if such franchise is granted, the grant shall be void, and all moneys 
paid thereon shall be forfeited to the State; and said commissioners shall in no 
case grant to any person or persons a right to plant or cultivate shell fish which 
shall interfere with any established right of fishing, and if any such grant is made 
the same shall be void. 

Sec. 12. The Superior Court of New Haven county, on the application of the 
selectmen of the town of Orange, and the Superior Court of any county, on the 
application of the oyster-ground committee of any town in said county, shall 
appoint a committee of threedisinterested persons of the town within the boun- 
daries of which any natural oyster, clam or mussel beds exist, to ascertain, locate, 
and describe by proper boundaries all the natural oyster, clam or mussel beds 
within the boundaries of such town. Said committee so appointed shall first 
give three weeks' notice, by advertising in a newspaper published in or nearest to 
said town, the time and place of their first meeting for such purpose; they shall 
hear parties who appear before them, and may take evidence from such other 
sources as they may, in their discretion, deem proper, aud they shall make writ- 
ten designations by ranges, bounds and areas of all the natural oyster, clam and 
mussel beds within the boundaries of the town they are appointed for, and shall 
make a report of their doiugs to the Superior Court, and such report, when made 
to and accepted by said court, and recorded in the records thereof, shall be a final 
and conclusive determination of the extent, boundaries and location of such 
natural beds at the date of such report. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of the 
Court to transmit to the town clerk of each of said towns a certified copy of said 
report so accepted and recorded, in relation to the beds of such town, which shall 
be recorded by said town clerk in the book kept by him for the record of applica- 
tions, designations, and conveyance of designated grounds. Such public notice 
of said application to the Superior Court, and of the time and place of the return 
of the same, shall be given by said selectmen or oyster-ground committee as any 
judge of the Superior Court may order. It shall be the duty of the selectmen 
of the town of Orange, and of oyster committees of other towns, ujjon a written 
request so to do, signed by twenty electors of their respective towns, to make 
such application to the Superior Court within thirty days after receiving a copy 
of such written request, and said applications shall be privileged, and shall be 
heard and disposed of at the term of said court to which such application is 
returned, in preference to other causes. All expenses properly incurred by such 




REPORT ON OYSTER CULTURE. 151 

selectmen and oyster-ground committees in said applications, and the doings 
thereunder, and the fees of said committees 60 appointed by court shall be taxed 
by the clerk of said court aud paid by the State upon his order. Any designa- 
tion of ground for the planting or cultivation of shell fish, within the areas so 
established by such report of said committee, shall be void. 

Sec. 13. The selectmen of the town of Orange, and the committees of other 
towns shall, at the expense of their respective towns, procure and cause to be 
lodged and kept in the office of the town clerk of each town respectively, accu- 
rate maps, showing the bouudary lines of their said towns in the navigable waters 
of the State, and all designations of ground for the cultivation of shell fish, here- 
tofore made, and that shall hereafter be made within such boundaries, and shall 
number said designations on said maps, and shall cause to be designated on said 
maps all natural oyster, clam aud mussel beds, lying within their several towns 
respectively, as the same shall be ascertained by said report of said commitees so 
recorded in said towns as hereinbefore provided. 

Sec. 14. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed, 
but this act shall not affect any suit now pending. 

Approved, April 14, 1881. 



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